Top 20 Players 15th - Dean Keates

Quite possibly the smallest player to have played for City this decade, Dean Keates made his name for scoring long range free kicks and his excellent crossing ability. Keates joined in the summer of 2005, but left around the half way mark through that season.

DEAN KEATES (2005-6)

SIGNED FROM KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS

Dean Keates was a name familiar to Lincoln City fans after a spell with local rivals, Hull City. Having made his name as an excellent crosser of the ball, Keates, much like another future Imp, Jamie Forrester, found himself out of Peter Taylor's first team plans and left the KC Stadium, making his way to Kidderminster.

Despite being a stand out player for Kidderminster, he couldn't help them avoid relegation after 5 years in the Football League. Keates was quickly snapped up by Keith Alexander, moving north with Gary Birch. Although Birch was an instant hit, scoring goal after goal, Keates had to wait for his chance, albeit briefly.

The first chance City had to see was Keates was all about came in an away game at Rushden and Diamonds. City hadn't scored from a direct free kick in nearly four calendar years before Keates stepped up to the mark, hitting a beautiful curling effort from 25 yards out.

Keates suddenly started a decent scoring record, and in an away game at Bury scored arguably City's best goal of the decade. Mayo was fouled 40 yards out and whilst most were busy trying to find space in the area, Keates hit it as sweetly as you can hit a free kick and it sailed into the net, right into the top corner.

Other than quickfire red cards causing suspensions, Keates was a near ever present until just after New Year. Not long after Keith had returned from gardening leave and Keates was off, leaving Sincil Bank on deadline day after citing family issues. Despite the club confirming his departure at nearly 4pm, he suspiciously turned up on the Walsall website and he had gone back to them.

Since leaving City, he has gone on to win three promotions in four seasons, once with Walsall and twice with Peterborough.