Another old boy back in the fold?

Last updated : 30 July 2004 By Gary Hutchinson
Reunited with his old boss - Dixon
Former Lincoln City defender Ben Dixon is back on trial with Lincoln after a chance meeting with Imps boss Keith Alexander.

Dixon was on holiday in the Algarve when he bumped into his ex employer Keith Alexander. Keith was in charge of the YTS team that produced not only Dixon but also Matt Carbon and Darren Huckerby. Keith offered Ben a trial and Ben gratefully accepted.

He was a surprise inclusion in the squad for the friendly at Kettering having featured for Whitby over the last few seasons, but has also been working as a plumber for local Lincoln firm Simons Construction. He has remained firm friends with Darren Huckerby over the years.

His name is the latest in a long line of old boys Keith Alexander has approached whilst at the Bank. First up was old England U-19 defender Matt Carbon, a succesful product of Alexanders superb abilities as coach during hgis time in charge of the YTS lads. Carbon joined on loan last season but managed just 45 minutes away at Hull before suffering an injury.

Next up was Shane Nicholson. The left back rejected a move to City after meeting with Keith as Chesterfield had offered him an improved deal.

Third on the list was Dean West. West turned in four seasons for City in the early nineties before a move to Bury. A spell at Burnley ended last season so he linked up with City to train. He signed a deal a week or so later and is all set to feature prominently for City this season.
 
So who next? Who'll be the latest face to sign for the Imps? Lincoln-city made have drawn up a wish list of possible signings and why....
 
Gareth Ainsworth: Still a quality player, but in and out of the QPR side for various reasons. May see City as a quality place to further his career if he isn't certain of a first team start at Rangers. Pacey, gutsy and without a doubt would put 500 on the gates. Would be a bigger coup than Gazza signing for Boston.
 
John Finnigan: Finns managed to star in a City side devoid of any real success or obvious talent. His move to Cheltenham was purely a cost cutting one, and our midfield could do with another name adding. Played in the same side as Gain and Mazza so he still has strong bonds with City.
 
Tony Battersby: Sizeable forward with the pace of of a 7.5 tonne wagon and the accuracy of a flicked elastic band. Capable of a moment of sheer brilliance followed by a year of complete manure. Would instantly take 2,500 off the Sincil Bank gate.
 
Kevin Austin: Looked a little lethargic last season for Bristol Rovers, but still has that crunching challenge and competitive nature. Austin was a fans favourite under John Beck for his all round abilities, and would be a good aquisition to put pressure on the other defenders.