The man behind Poacher’s mask
By Peter Harrod
When does a poacher become a goalkeeper?
Steve Holt can supply the answer.
Steve has recently retired as Chair of the Foundation Committee at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School – he had masterminded the successful 50th anniversary of its opening in 1974 as a co-educational comprehensive.
He has now found a new role as the Lincoln City FC mascot Poacher.
His wife thinks he’s crazy.
Steve’s new post involves cheering the Imps on as they take the field, rousing the fans’ support, and engaging in all sorts of ‘impish’ behaviour.
Fortunately, to the relief of his friends and family, his disguise is complete, and no-one could possibly recognise him.
At half-time, when lucky girls and boys can take penalties at him, Steve becomes the poacher turned goalkeeper (not gamekeeper as in the original idiom).
He blames his relative lack of success so far on his outfit which is heavy and bulky particularly on wet days. He also claims that the tiny eye slits in his colourful costume restrict his vision.
As his fully signed up goalkeeping coach, I must add there are some alarming gaps in his skills and technique although, for the moment, I take some of the responsibility for those deficiencies.
Every weekend I receive messages from him pleading: “Help me coach, I’m struggling!”
I struggle too, because when I played in goal the keeper was allowed to bounce the ball to the edge of the penalty area.
I have suggested, however, that he should always keep his eye on the ball and face the penalty-taker rather than the crowd. Yes, he’s a slow learner!
I do admire Steve for taking on this challenging and arduous role. It shows how public-spirited he is and how much he has supported the Imps throughout his life – with his other footballing passions, Manchester United and Peterborough United.
Steve has written a book on his love for the game as a player, supporter, and former board member. Passes Down The Line, which reflects his former position as left back, is a both informative and highly amusing reflection on the beautiful game.
The role of the Poacher is part of the mission of The Lincoln City Foundation, which is committed to changing lives for the better, and creating happier, healthier, and inspired, and inclusive communities.
Various programmes exist for healthier communities, sport and physical activity, education and employability.
They take place in 26 cities, towns and villages throughout the county. At the end of 2024 the Foundation delivered a social return to the community of £7m. For every £1 spent, £5 has been generated to benefit the community with an ambitious target of £15m set for 2030.
Poacher is described as the physical embodiment of the love and loyalty that fans have for Lincoln City and he plays an integral part in highlighting football’s ability to unite and uplift Lincolnshire communities in a variety of activities.
It is therefore important to publicise the fact that, in addition to his antics on the field on match days, Steve has signed up for supporting the kind of activities outlined above which benefit the city and county in so many diverse ways.
Good luck, Steve!
