The Ugly: John Akinde
John Akinde was not an bad player, nor was his record at Lincoln City particularly ugly. The debate surrounding him was. Few players from a successful Imps side have divided opinion quite as sharply as a striker who finished as leading scorer during a title-winning campaign.
Akinde joined City from Barnet in July 2018 with an impressive goalscoring reputation. He had scored 31 league goals as the Bees won the Conference in 2014/15 and became their record EFL scorer, having rebuilt his career following an unsuccessful spell with Bristol City and several loan moves.
He scored 17 times in all competitions as Lincoln won League Two, with 15 coming in the league. However, seven of those league goals were penalties, and winger Bruno Andrade scored more frequently from open play. Akinde was often criticised for a perceived lack of work rate and a languid style, particularly when taking penalties, but others recognised the less obvious work he did occupying defenders, drawing markers and creating space.
He finished his Lincoln City career with 25 goals in 81 appearances and earned selection in the PFA League Two Team of the Year. After falling out of favour under Michael Appleton, he joined Gillingham in January 2020 and later represented Colchester United, Braintree Town and Folkestone Invicta.
Akinde led the line for a championship-winning Lincoln City side, scored more goals than anyone else and earned recognition from his fellow professionals. Somehow, he still split the fanbase. That enduring argument, rather than the player himself, earns the ugly label.
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