20: Theo Archibald
Theo Archibald came through Celtic’s academy and gained his first senior experience during a loan spell with Albion Rovers in Scottish League One. He moved to Brentford in 2017, playing predominantly for their B team before joining Forest Green Rovers on loan and scoring a memorable long-range winner against Northampton Town. Released by Brentford in 2019, the winger rebuilt his career with Macclesfield Town, scoring six times in 33 appearances across all competitions before the Imps signed him.
I think this entry could have been him, or Zach Elbouzedi. They were wide players full of promise who never got going, probably because of Brennan Johnson and Morgan Rogers joining. Archibald was the one I felt had a high ceiling, but he always flattered to deceive, whereas at least Elbouzedi looked good in the EFL Trophy.
Eventually, Archibald joined Leyton Orient, initially on loan, and helped them win the League Two title after making the move permanent. A serious knee injury kept him out for almost two years, but he returned during 2025/26 and earned another contract with the O’s.
That hurts more, because he’s also proven himself to be capable at the level.
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