10. Lee Thorpe

Last updated : 01 September 2004 By Chris Barnes
Lee Thorpe was Phil Bater’s only permanent signing in his stint as manager. The powerful front man began his career at Blackpool, but only made 12 appearances in three years. Lincoln City signed Thorpe for free in August 1997, and Thorpe responded by scoring 57 goals in 192 games for the Imps. Leyton Orient was Lee’s next destination in the close season of 2002, but in nearly two years there he only managed 12 goals in 55 games. February 2004 saw Thorpe join Grimsby on loan, but despite a lack of goals there, caretaker Bater offered Lee a two-year deal at the Memorial Stadium. Despite struggling initially Thorpe benefited in a rejuvenated side led by the inspirational leadership of Osman and Broadhurst. Thorpe scored his first goal in the famous quarters against his former club Lincoln in May 2004.