The Lincoln Imps

[Posh Imp]

I shall get the ball rolling...

1. Male or female?
Male

2. Age?
53. My birthday is 24th January. Aquarius!

3. How far from Sincil Bank?
64.7 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?
Wednesday 6th March 1963. Lincoln City 1 Coventry City 5 - FA Cup Third Round, after some 13 or so postponements following the hardest winter I have ever seen! My dad made me go!

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?
Lincoln City 5 Doncaster Rovers 0, Saturday 17th April, 1975 (my younger brother's 13th birthday) because that was the day I witnessed Lincoln City winning the Fourth Division Championship, and promotion for the first time since I started watching them!

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?
Jim Grummett. Ace!! Scored a great goal against Newcastle Utd on Wednesday 13th September, 1967 in that memorable 2-1 win in front of over 18,000 (the most I had ever seen at the Bank before that Derby County game) after the great Wyn Davies had given Newcastle the lead! Apart from that, he was just such a good player, City through and through!

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?
Has to be Cardiff. Twice! Mind you, being at Brunton Park, Carlisle when Bailey scored that very dramatic goal from inside his own half comes a pretty close second!

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?
Percy Freeman against Workington back on 6th September, 1970 when he scored in the 3-1 win running from the half-way line, just after kick-off in the second half, to simply blast the ball in the top corner of their net!

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)
Before Kovacs signed, I would have said Efetobore Sodje. Class player, ideal for Lincoln City! Now? (Kovacs having filled that place so well...) I would say any former England player who is still young enough to do the business for the Imps and attract the crowds!

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?
Well, probably Jamie McCombe who would be awesome with Kovacs alongside!

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?
Cardiff. Second play-off final, Vs Southend...

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?
Beating Wycombe on 2nd May 1988 2-0 to get back in the league!

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?
Lincoln City 2 Newcastle Utd 1 - Wednesday 13th September, 1967. (Although Derby Co., Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham do come close!)

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?
How often we have to sit there biting our nails!

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?
I really don't like having to say this, but over the 45 years I have followed the Imps, the worst has to be... Peter Daniel (also worst temporary manager, who saw us relegated out of the league!)

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)
Just has to be the brick-S**thouse built, and super goalscorer, BIG Percy Freeman!

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?
1975-76 We won the Fourth Division with the record number of points (when it was two points for a win and we got 74!)

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)
I would love to see Colin Murphy for a third time. I know that won't ever be possible, but, hey, what a great guy!

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?
That just has to be Colin Murphy! (Even though Graham Taylor did what he did.)

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?
The answer to that one has to be...

five years - in League One pushing for the Championship!

ten years - in the Championship and therefore reaching the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 1998!!!!
_________________
We've got a new manager. Will he be a very good manager? I do hope so.

[rudstar_tle]

1. Male or female?

male

2. Age?

22

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

10 or so miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

i can't remember, was when i was quite young in the years before beck got us promoted

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

hull 1-0 away bimmo pen - the end when the players did the victory dive after a brilliant away performance, getting chased by angry hull fans!

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

taylor-fletcher - he is the most skilful player we've had and entertained!

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

KC stadium

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Fletcher's overhead back heel flick thing from edge of the box

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

Felix Bastians or richard walker (if he doesn't sign permanently for shrews).

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Ainsworth for a final year or maybe

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

Huddersfield away playoff game, such a high to a mega low, our best team for sometime robbed of a certain victory at cardiff!

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Beating brian laws after he put a flag in the pitch in playoffs.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

Fulham away 5-4 aet, we were rubbish but just battled for 4 goals only to lose to McBride in the last minute!

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

We haven't had any wingers for ages who take people on and whip it in, not just use power and pace like DNG (or what LJL tries to do), they create simple goals, Shearer thrived on them for about 20 years!

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Ian Hamilton, Steve Torpey or Rory May - too tough to decide. Although Torpey may get the nod for symbolising the end of Schoey's reign, what a shocking signing.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Ainsworth - one man team sometimes.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

The 1st year in playoffs cos we were expected to be rubbish but got through to the playoff final with a good spirit and players like Weaver coming to the fore, solid as a rock.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

Stick with Jacko or O'Driscoll cos he plays good football.

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

Phil Stant or Jacko for the future.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

5 years - solid league 1, pushing for playoffs
10 years - championship
_________________
and Heskey makes it 5...

[Big Jack McGinley]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

40

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

5000 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

March 1975. Lincoln 0 Cambridge 0. I'd wanted to go for quite a while and I think my parents finally thought my elder brother was responsible enough to take me.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

Lincoln 2 Wycombe 0. It all such an unknown back then - it really felt like it would have been a complete disaster not to get promoted that season

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

John McGinley. Not exactly sure why.

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Millenium Stadium

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Gary Lund versus Burnley, January 1987

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

I don't really know. My knowledge of players at other clubs is not that great!!

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Simon Yeo

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

Relegation to the Conference. Appointing John '****' Beck as manager.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Promotion from the Conference. I was still a bit young to really appreciate the great season of 75-76.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

Drawing with West Ham in the Milk Cup in November 1982.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

All clubs have them, but some supporters really gets on my tits!!

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Wow, this is a tough category!! Derek Hood - though he was only on loan. The worst actual Lincoln player I think was possibly Maheta Molango.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

No question. Trevor Peake. A cut above anybody else I've seen.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

The Conference season. As mentioned before, it was all such an unknown journey that had a happy ending.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

Peter Jackson

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

Colin Murphy

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

Realistically. If we still have an Imps to support I'll be quite satisfied. An established League One side would be nice with the potential to upward. In these times though the future is so uncertain...

[Imp At Heart]

1. Male or female? Male

2. Age? 43

3. How far from Sincil Bank? On matchdays 60 miles although I work in Lincoln in the week

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game? 1974 League Cup 1st Round v Rotherham (1-1) at Sincil Bank and it was a treat from my dad.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why? Best Imps game was when they beat Manchester City 1-0 at Maine Road in 1996. Best other game was seeing Leicester beat Leeds 4-3 in 1989 at Filbert Street.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why? Trevor Peake, a highly reliable defender and a nice person too.

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps? Millenium Stadium, Cardiff 2003 v Bournemouth

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score? Peter Gain's superb chip at Carlisle in 2004 after about a dozen passes in which a Carlisle player never touched the ball.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? Reuben Reid on loan at Rotherham, a real handful for most defences.

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps? Gareth Ainsworth

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps? Relegation into the Conference in 1987.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment? When we beat Bournemouth 9-0 in 1982.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)? When we beat Manchester City 1-0 at Maine Road in 1996.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps? We tend to mostly start the season slowly.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt? Kevin Kilmore, couldn't hit a barn door from 2 metres away.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.) Gordon Hobson, highly prolific goalscorer.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why? 1981/82 because I felt at the time we had the best squad that would take us to what would now be the Championship.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.) Peter Jackson, the best man for the job.

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager? Graham Taylor

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time? Five years time in League One and Ten Years in the Championship.
_________________
'Forest have now lost six matches without winning.' - David Coleman

[Ghost Of Bob Cumming]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

39

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

150 miles. Which is why I'm not there much.

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

March 3rd 1976, v Crewe Alexandra. A 2-0 victory with one of the goals from my boyhood hero, John Ward. My Dad and Grandad took me (I believe my Grandad stopped attending matches after this, the baton having been passed so to speak). I was hooked.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

Like BJM it has to be the title-clinching Wycombe match, and for similar reasons. It's hard to get across to people now how uncertain things seemed when we dropped out of Div 4, and what we were up against to get back into the league. To triumph under those circumstances was a truly great achivement. They should make a film out of it!


6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

It took tenacity and fight to get out of the Conference. Bob Cumming had those qualities in spades (and he could play a bit too). My brother has always said that if he ever saw Bob in the street he'd march over, shake him by the hand and say 'Thanks!'. Quite right (and not bad for a player who is considered a legend in Grimsby).

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Millenium Stadium

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

There can be only one...Malcolm Dunkley's thunderbolt!

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

I genuinely take so little interest in football besides the Imps that I couldn't say

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Since we haven't bothered to fill the position properly these last two seasons, Paul Mayo

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

Relegation from Div 4. There was also a match at Darlington in the mid-90's where we were 3 or 4 down by half-time that made me so furious that I didn't bother going for the rest of the season

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Return from the Conference. I should also add that the most excited I've ever been was when Yeo banged in goals 4 & 5 versus Scunthorpe in the first play-off semi. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

The 2-1 victory over a Spurs side that featured Ossie Ardiles at the start of the 80s was one of the very few cup matches I've ever seen us win (no joke ), and we still lost the tie!

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

I don't really have one. I spend a fair bit of time wishing I lived somewhere closer and/or got to more games, but that's hardly the club's fault.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

I've mentioned before about how much Fred Green rated Tony Simmons as a Lincoln Utd player, but in his (mercifully brief) spell at Sincil Bank he was atrocious.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

I thought George Shipley was tremendous. Ainsworth too. But it's hard to argue against Trevor Peake (who was also my Dad's favourite). A 'modern' centre half before they were invented.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

Since I've already described the Conference season I'll go for the season after Admin with KA in charge. Tremendous backs-to-the-wall spirit. It didn't look good at the beginning, and I thought we were dead and buried as early as that August defeat at Boston, so to end up at the Millenium Stadium was fantastic.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

Again I'll have to claim football ignorance. Oh, alright, Steve Evans. Ha!

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

Murph

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

I'll be happy enough as long as there's a club to support.
_________________
Music of the moment: Mark Olson & Gary Louris - Ready For The Flood Former Jayhawks mainmen make first album together in almost 15 years. Understated and lovely.

[The Greatest Dancer]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

45

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

Heighington born and bred but now living in Manchester so 120 miles by M62/A1. Shorter by the scenic route.

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

September 29th 1971. Imps v Grimsby Town. We won 3-1 in front of a big crowd. Good goals, exciting match, pitch invasions, fighting on the terraces. I was hooked. I went with my dad after a few months of pestering him to take me.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

Lots stand out but my favourite would probably be the 5-3 play-off win at home to Scunthorpe. The goal fest was unexpected as was the fantastic atmosphere. A real blood and guts local derby.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

Phil Brown. I just loved his goals in the Conference and his clever link up lay with Bob Cumming. He was never the same player in the league, which was a shame. I saw him still playing for Matlock Town against a local team I watch in Manchester a couple of years ago when he must have been 40. He scored an absolute cracking goal.

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Obviously the Millennium Stadium was magnificent and the day of the first play off final was very emotional but of the more regular grounds I have always liked Spotland.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Alan Jones against Sheffield Wednesday in about 1977. We were 2-1 up but down to 10 men and under the cosh. A long clearance from our keeper found the diminutive Jones on the right wing and he looked up and quickly worked out that he didn’t have the pace or the inclination to take on 4 defenders over 40 yards so he just belted it into the top right hand corner from 40 yards to seal a memorable victory. I remember all the old guys near me throwing their caps in the air in celebration!

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

I like to see local lads do well at the club so I’d be happy to see Paul Mayo return to our problem position. Of other 4th division players I have always rated Ben Davies at Shrewsbury and Andy Bishop at Bury but they are probably out of price range. Trafford FC have an excellent “inside forward” called Scott Barlow who could do a decent job but we have too many people in that position already.

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Of the ones currently still playing I’d take Gain, Yeo, Mayo and McCombe back.

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

Only drawing at Craven Cottage in May 1982. I genuinely think that if we had won that match we could have got into the top flight if we were able to keep that team together.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Winning the Conference or getting to the play off final in 2003.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

Beating Manchester City over 2 legs or winning the Sid North Trophy at The Wong in 1997. It’s a tough choice.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

The moaning fans getting on the players backs and booing our own. I don’t mind criticism but some of our “supporters” are embarrassing at times.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Derek Hood. Of full time players I would say that Niall McNamara was probably the worst.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Unquestionably Trevor Peake. Pure class, absolute composure, a genuine nice bloke and a great leader. We’ll never see his like again at The Bank.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

I loved being the big team for once in the Conference season but my favourite has to be the first play off season under Keith. The first game I saw was our pre-season friendly at Windsor Park and the last was at The Millennium Stadium. With our budget, the players we signed and the morale of the supporters we should have been relegated by Christmas but because of the commitment/skills of a proud bunch of players and the fantastic inspirational management of Keith Alexander we massively over-achieved and set the club up with the solid financial foundations we now have.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

I think Peter Jackson will do a decent job so I don’t want anyone else at the moment.

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

In my 37 years following The Imps I’ve seen 3 decent managers (the jury is still out on Jacko). Colin Murphy stands out as the best because he did it twice and had a great eye for young and untried players. Graham Taylor put together a great team of old lags and young guns and stirred the city and Keith did it against the odds year after year.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

I think we can be a decent Division 3 side, challenging for promotion and not yo-yoing into div 4. That should be our aim.

[EddieDillsworth]

1. Male or female? Male

2. Age? 34

3. How far from Sincil Bank? 200 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game? Don't know the date but certainly very young. First game I went to I apparently spent most of the time running up and down the old South Park stand benches. First games I can really remember are from the 82/3 season. Reason: Dad went.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why? 30 April 1988: Lincoln 2 Stafford 1 and the joy when the Barnet result was read out and we realised we were top of the Conference

6. Your all-time favourite player and why? David Clarke though no idea why. Possibly the free-kicks?

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps? Feethams.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score? A tough one. I know the best goal scored at a game I attended but missed (Bob Cumming's 35 yarder v Cheltenham) and I think my current seen favourite was a Phil Stant back-heel against Swansea in 1996/7 when him and Gareth were creating mayhem.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? Anyone from the youth team or someone completely unknown - it's a joy to see the youth system flourishing and I'd like to see that we had good scouts as well.

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps? Whilst it would be fantastic to have any of the current Championship/Premiership players back, part of me doesn't want them back as a shadow of their former selves and shattering the memories, especially Gareth. I guess Mike Pollitt would be welcome back as a rare 'one we got wrong'.

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps? Undoubtedly, relegation into the conference. Beyond that, two things involving Grant Brown. Beck's subbing of him after three minutes against Swansea and Buckley not playing him in his final home game against Rochdale.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment? The celebration of the defence at the end of the 0-0 away draw with Darlington in 2002/03. Encapsulated everything about that season for me.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)? Sadly, the cup wins over Manchester City. Sad because it was Beck in charge.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps? Irrational criticism of players, managers and chairmen.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt? Mark Yates.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.) After the usual greats who stepped up the levels, Bob Cumming.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why? The conference season: every game had something about it, be it great goals or great brawling. Closely followed by 2002/03.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.) Peter Jackson as that indicates we are progressing well.

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager? I can't benchmark Bill Anderson's achievements in Division Two but of the big three (Taylor, Murphy and Keith) I don't want to separate them, not just on their abilities but on their underlying decency.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?Hopefully at a higher level but still being a well run and respected lower division club.

[Dreambastard]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

39

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

150 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

Chester home 79 - dad took me (Plymouth fan)

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

Despite the result, the Bournemouth play off final, for the atmosphere

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

John McGinley, a glowering no nonsense centre forward

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Carlisle comes close, but Feethams wins it, for its olde worlde atmosphere and proximity to the town centre and station, so different from today's bland venue.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Was going to go for the second goal in that 2-0 win at Carlisle, Mark Bailey's 450 yard shot into the open net, however for its importance as well as its spectacularity it has to be Steve Brown's 90th minute curling effort v Northampton at the start of the Beck reign.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

Omar Daley

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Gareth

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

Disappointing - Fulham 82; Devastating - Swansea 87

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

With hindsight Wycombe 88, but at the time that was a s*** scary season, so most enjoyable was promotion in 98 v Brighton.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

Narrowly pipping Hull away in 94, Maine Road 96.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

After years of hardship you get a hint of success at the end of the tunnel, and then something happens to ruin it.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Dave Ridings

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Memories of Peake and Harford are a bit cloudy now. I have to go for Gareth.


17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

2002-3, starting with the summer's drama, and then the sheer unexpectedness of it, with a team of low cost, hungry non-leaguers who no one had ever heard of. A real rags to riches tale.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

PJ is fine

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

Murph

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

5 - league 1 challenging for play offs
10 - league 1/championship yo-yo club

[Islington_Imp]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

26

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

150 miles south

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

Gillingham (home) season 91/92. My father took me.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

I think this would have to be the 5-3 win v Scunny in the playoffs 2003. Man City at home in 96/97 and Brighton home 97/98 come close.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

This would be Gareth Ainsworth. There's no-one quite like him.

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Tricky one. Always used to like going to Boothferry Park, Feethams and Bootham Crescent - but I think Brisbane Road probably shades it as I'm London based. Always a good day out.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Mark Bailey against Carlisle a few years ago.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

I was hoping for Luke Beckett at the start of the season, maybe Grant Holt.

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Jamie Forrester. Shouldn't have let him go.

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

There's been a few, to be fair! Relegation '99, although to be fair we were down at half time on the last game of the season, so it would probably be Cardiff '03.
12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

That Scunny game - see above.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

The Manchester City game 96/97.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

I don't like to travel 150 miles to watch a game of football, only to sit around "fans" who just don't enjoy being there. If you don't enjoy it, don't go!

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Steve Torpey. One question: why??

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Probably Huck.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

I suppose the promotion season 97/98. Left school and City promoted! Top season.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

Very happy with Mr Jackson thank you very much

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

I think we've got him now. Failing that, then John Beck.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

Five years: an established top half League One side
Ten years: a yo-yo team between League One and the Championship. Excitement for the fans every season!
_________________
"Stefan Oakes' left foot can peel carrots" - Peter Jackson

[adam_lcfc]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

23

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

Currently 187 miles, but it has yo-yoed between 13 miles and 949 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

Can't remember the game but it was as a result of going to a LCFC soccer school in the school holidays in the early 90s

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

Has to be the 7-1 thrashing of Rochdale a couple of years ago. I just couldn't believe what was happening.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

Gareth Ainsworth. Every time he got the ball you knew something was going to happen.

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Millennium Stadium, in spite of the outcome.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Already been mentioned, but the GTF scissor-kick thing from the edge of the box against Cambridge was amazing.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

My heart says a striker (Pawel Abbott if he weren't always injured), but my head says a good young left-back! No idea who though!

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Gareth Ainsworth or Jamie Forrester.

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

Play-off final versus Southend. Just the worst I have ever felt following a football match. It was even worse when I got home to discover that Yeo's goal was onside!

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Finding out that the club had been saved.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

Man City in the League Cup in 1996. 4-1 to the Mighty Imps!

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

That not enough people in the City/County care about the club. Just look at how many exiles post on here compared to locals and it says it all...I'd love us to have a bigger support.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Jamie Hand. Couldn't pass for toffee.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Darren Huckerby.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

Probably the first playoff season because so little was expected and so much was acheived. The 2 Johns' first season also brought the best football I have ever seen at SB, but also one of the biggest disappointments as we fell away.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

Jackson's doing ok for me as it is! I honestly don't know at the moment.

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

In my time, it has to be Keith Alexander. I said it a few times and some people laughed, but his time as manager was one of relative success, especially when you consider the conditions he worked under financially. I'm just disappointed he couldn't get us up. The man is a legend in my eyes.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

5 years: An established top L1 club, similar to Scunthorpe, but hopefully with 7000 average crowds. In 10 years, hopefully flirting with the Championship and filling the Bank every week!

[Peter Griffin]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

21

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

Just over 2 miles at the moment.

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

26th January 1993, a home match against Carlisle. A 2-1 victory with Jason Lee bagging the winner. As for why, I was curious to see where the elder members of the Griffin family were going every other Saturday.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

Tough one and I'm debating between a couple but probably the home leg of the Scunny play-off match. A game filled with highs and lows and an incredible atmosphere.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

Gijsbert Bos. No idea as to why but I've always loved the guy. That goal against Mansfield was stunning.

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Millennium Stadium was a great stadium to go to but in terms of ones we visit every year, like TGD, I really like Spotland.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Gijsbert's goal against Mansfield. Richard Butcher's strike against them comes close as does Gain's mazy run against Hartlepool at Sincil Bank.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

Tommy Doherty from Wycombe. Every time I've seen Wycombe play and he's been involved, he just oozes class. Great player to have sit and hold in the middle three and allow Frecklington to bomb forward and Oakes to spray balls all over the place.

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Despite the hatred that a lot of Lincoln fans have for him, Kevin Ellison. He'd solve the left-back issue.

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

The Southend match. I can recall looking around and seeing the disbelief on people's faces as Bloomer replaced GTF and then Beevers came on for Green. Awful game to lose that one. The second half at the Galpharm (might have still been The McAlpine then?) the previous season was bitterly disappointing as well. We had a great side that season and I'd think had we seen that game out we'd be a solid L1 side at the moment.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Same as Adam.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

The Man City matches back in '96. When Rosler scored in the first minute, I can remember thinking that it was all about keeping the score respectable and then the magic happened.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

Similar to Adam once again. Although it doesn't seem to be an issue now as we do seem to have quite a youthful fan base it always used to annoy me at school that there were only 2/3 of us who watched The Imps religiously whilst others claimed to be 'big' United or Liverpool fans.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Anyone of KA's failed strikers. Ellis Remy's chance which he skied high and wide in his one appearance for us against Oxford on the first day of the season in '03 springs to mind as one of KA's biggest failings.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Gareth Ainsworth. Superb player.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

The first play-off season. A team of complete unknowns who had an outstanding spirit and would have died for one another. No primadonnas in that side and it was great to see players with limited quality like Weaver get their chance to be a pro.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

I'm happy with Jackson. I hope we can hold onto him as he's more than capable of taking this club places.

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

KA, no question about that in my lifetime.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

As long as we've got a club, I'll be happy. For the record, 5 years - established League 1 side and in 10 years pushing for The Championship.
_________________
If I'm a child that means you're a pedophile, and I'll be damned if I'm going stand here and take this from a pervert.

[Posh Imp]

Are there any more posters who would like to add to this questionnaire before I move it to its own forum?


Saturday 8th November is the deadline...
_________________
We've got a new manager. Will he be a very good manager? I do hope so.

[Westbanker]

1. Male or female?
Male
2. Age?
39
3. How far from Sincil Bank?
98.4 Miles
4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?
Bournemouth 9-0
Wycome
Torquay to reach the play-offs
Everton 4-3
6. Your all-time favourite player and why?
Glenn Cockerill - Awesome

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?
Millenium Stadium

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?
Mark Bailey 70 yarder
Jason Lee with his codpiece (forget who it was against)

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign?

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?
Glen Cockerill and Andy Graver
11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?
Relegation from the league
12. ...and your most pleasing moment?
The completion of Murphy's Mission

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?
Everton
14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt? Willie Gamble

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.) Tony Lormer (but for cruciate injury at an early age would have played at a very high level)

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why? Conference season

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)
The Incumbent
19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?
Colin Murphy
20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?
Champoinship.

[Swindon Imp]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

31

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

143.7 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

Home v Boston in the Conference (5-1). Been badgering my Dad all season to go to a game, he finally crumbled.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

The above. Destruction of local rivals, my first taste of crowd trouble and a comedy own goal to boot. The 5-3 versus Scunny in 2003 pushes it close though.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

Phil Stant for commitment, Jason Barnett for being an all-round top bloke, Gareth Ainsworth for making the Beck era bearable


7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Best ground has to be Millennium Stadium. Favourite is Spotland for the chip shop opposite the away turnstile.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Yeo vs Torquay in 2003 was the most enjoyable, even with a slight deflection.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

Simon Cox from Swindon, just to annoy my workmates

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Right now? Jamie Forrester.

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

2005 play-off final without a doubt. Closely followed by being cheated out of the league cup by Palace about ten years earlier.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Promotion in '98. Given the turmoil of the previous 4 months or so it just seemed totally bizarre

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

Beating Hull and Huddersfield in 1994 was good, shame about the lousy 3rd-round draw we got. As a spectacle the 4-3 league cup defeat by Everton a year or two earlier was probably better though.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

Moan? Are you kidding? How could anyone possibly moan about a club that's had one football league promotion in 25 years and been to the FA Cup third round twice in the last 30???!

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Thank you Mr Grobbelaar for making this an easy one to answer.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Paul Williams (on loan) in about 1992 (?) Looked about 3 divisions above everyone else on the pitch. Because he was.

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

02-03. No promotion maybe, but what drama. Worth it for the two games against Scunny alone.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

If Jacko left I'd love to see Martin Ling, but that's probably not that realistic...

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

Since I've been watching, the Murph, followed closely by Keef.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

I'd love to say, League One then the Championship. To be realistic I'd say the upper reaches of League Two in a mildly-redeveloped Sincil Bank.

[BobW]

1. Male or female?

Male

2. Age?

27

3. How far from Sincil Bank?

145 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game?

Boston at Sincil Bank in the Conference. I was dragged along.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why?

5-0 v Grimsby in 2006. Other than the result, which was hugely satisfying, Russell Slade's halftime team talk on the pitch was brilliant viewing.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why?

Gareth Ainsworth. Best player i've seen and made a fantastic contribution to the Club.


7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps?

Meadow Lane is probably the nicest that i've been to in League Two, but I like proper old terraces behind the goal like the kind at Macclesfield.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score?

Yeo scored a few nice ones. I remember the lob at Orient which seemed to take a lifetime to come down. Louis Dodds' against Wycombe last season was excellent too, with great build up play by LJL.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!)

Tom Doherty from Wycombe. OK, perhaps not realistic.

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps?

Wouldn't say no to Jeff Hughes coming back, or Jamie Forrester. If either McCombe or McAuley want to drop down a few divisions, i'd welcome them back!

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?

Play-Off Final against Southend. Losing to Grimsby in the play off semis after thrashing them 5-0 weeks earlier.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment?

Winning promotion.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

The thrilling League Cup tie against Fulham (5-4?) in terms of excitement, though the result wasn't the right one.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?

The hooligan element. Moronic football fans in general.

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt?

Been quite a few duds. Cropper, Simon Brown, Grobelaar, Joe Allon. Battersby however probably gets it for the money we paid for him.

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.)

Ainsworth and Stant forged a great partnership

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why?

2002-03. Ok, so we got tonked at the Millenium Stadium, but after all the problems off the field the year before, I was pleased to see my football club there.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.)

Colin Calderwood? No chance probably, but then I said the same thing about Jacko.

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager?

Keith Alexander

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time?

In 5 years, hopefully securing midtable respectability in League One, whilst maybe flirting with the play-offs. No doubt in ten years we'll be still in League Two, but I hope with higher attendances.
_________________
'The sea was angry that day, my friends - like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli.'

[Julestheimp]

1. Male or female? - Male

2. Age - 16

3. How far from Sincil Bank? - 2.56 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game? - I went home from school one day and asked my dad if we could go and watch Lincoln. Can't remember who it was against though.

5. Your all-time favourite match and why? - Scunthorpe away in the second leg of the play off's when Yeo scored in front of the Lincoln fans.

6. Your all-time favourite player and why? - Simon Yeo because of some of the important goals he scored in our first play off season under Alexander.

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps? - Millennium Stadium even though we lost both times.

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score? - Mark Bailey at Carlisle.

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? - A striker that can score goals?!? And realistically I believe Darren Huckerby would return to Lincoln to end his footballing career.

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps - Gary Taylor-Fletcher or Darren Huckerby.

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps? - Losing against Southend in the play off final.

12. ...and your most pleasing moment? - Simon Yeo's goal at Scunthorpe in the play off second leg.

13. Which was your favourite Cup game? - Fulham away in the League Cup where we lost 5-4 after extra time.

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps? - The fact we are still stuck in League Two annoys me!

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt? - Rory May

16. ...and who was the best? - Richard Butcher

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why? - The first play off season under Keith Alexander because it was a great achievement with the players we had at the time.

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? - Graham Taylor

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager? - Since I have been watching Lincoln our best manager has probably been Keith Alexander because of how well we did on a low budget with non league players.

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time? - In 5 years probably in League One, and ten years in the Championship (Neither of which will happen though )

[Tim]

1. Male or female? Male
2. Age? 47

3. How far from Sincil Bank? 5,500 miles

4. Your first ever game watching the Imps and what made you go to that game? Lincoln v Chester 1972/73 - John Ward took school football lessons, so I pestered my dad for what seemed ages

5. Your all-time favourite match and why? Bournemouth 9-0

6. Your all-time favourite player and why? John Ward

7. Favourite ground visited to watch the Imps? Everton or Torquay (great weekend)

8. The best goal you ever saw an Imps player score? funny thing is I can only remember the disasters against us. Peter Graham backwards lob against Chesterfield to win (I think)

9. Who would you most like to see Lincoln City sign? (Realistic choices please!) Torres

10. Which former player would you like to see back at the Bank, playing for the Imps? Glenn Cockerill

11. Which was your most disappointing moment following the Imps?
Missing promotion by 0.04 of a goal, with the result barely audible on medium wave scores at 10 o'clock

12. ...and your most pleasing moment? Winning at Scuny to go to Cardiff

13. Which was your favourite Cup game (all Cups qualify)?

Stoke City

14. What is your biggest moan about the Imps?
negative fans

15. Who, in your opinion, was the worst player you ever saw in an Imps shirt? Tommy Tynan

16. ...and who was the best? (Doesn't have to be the same as your favourite player.) Trevor Peake

17. Since you have been watching the Imps, which has been the best season for you, and why? 1975/76 because..er you work it out

18. In your opinion, who would you like to see as manager of the Imps? (Again, please be realistic.) Chris Sutton

19. Who, in your opinion, has been City's best manager? Graham Taylor

20. Realistically, where would you like to see the Imps in say five and then ten years time? Home and away ha, ha. Championship and Championship