Experienced players bring consistency

The Whites trio are all Lincoln-born and their loyalty to the club has been one of the mainstays of Sam Wilkinson's team over the last ten years.

Danny Brooks first turned out for the Ashby Avenue outfit in their Premier Division days and after spells with Grantham Town and AFC Stamford he re-joined his old club.

Brooks said: “I try to pass on my experience to the younger players, for example by letting them know what certain players are like to play against.

“You need experienced players in the squad to help bring the youngsters on.

“I remember when I was 17 when John Wilkinson was manager I was one of the youngest lads in the side.

“I looked up to the older players and said to myself that I wanted to play as long as them.”

Thirty-one-year-old Sean Cann started his career at Lincoln United when he was 18.
He is a naturally gifted player with a tremendous turn of speed. Defenders never relish facing Cann in full flow.

He said: “I remember being a bit daunted by everything when I started out.

“I see my role now as an older player to welcome the younger ones into the team and try to give them confidence.

“We are mainly all Lincoln lads so obviously we are playing for our home city and that makes you want to win even more.

“Coming from Lincoln gives you that extra five per cent.

“When you are younger, you tend to be fearless but as you get older, although you know your confidence is still there, you become less arrogant.

“I am 31 now and I never want to stop.

"I have lost some weight over the close season and I am raring to go.

“I will keep going until my legs won't work!”

Former Lincoln City apprentice, Andy Toyne makes up the trio whose experience is invaluable to the Whites.

He made his debut 10 years' ago and after spells with Grantham Town and AFC Stamford, re-joining the club in 2013.

Toyne is part of the midfield engine room with a keen eye for goal.

Boss Sam Wilkinson said: “Experienced players always bring a level of consistency.

“They set an example to the younger players both on and off the pitch by bringing a certain level of discipline.

“One thing you get when people start turning 30 is they know they haven't got much time left in their playing careers.

“This makes them as hungry as the youngsters.

“It is good to have young blood but experienced players like Danny Brooks, Sean Cann and Andy Toyne are so very important to any team.”

Peter Hayward