Death of former City player Ron Harbertson

Ron Harbertson, president of City’s Former Players’ Association and one of the oldest former Imps players, has died at the age of 95.

Ron was a regular attender at the LNER Stadium and also a member of the FPA who visited local care homes.

His senior football career began in January 1949 when he signed for Newcastle United. Ron played for Bradford City, Brighton before moving to Darlington.

While at Darlington he featured in an epic FA Cup tie against Chelsea. Ron scored at Stamford Bridge when the teams drew 3-3 and then got a further goal in the replay when Darlington won 4-1 after extra-time - with Ron going back to work a night shift in the pit after the final whistle.

He signed for City in March 1958 at a time when the Imps looked doomed to be relegated from the old Second Division. Ron made his debut in a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield and retained his place until the end of the season - with City winning their final six games to stay up and Ron scoring in each match.

Ron moved on to Wrexham in March 1960 and then had a second spell with Darlington before returning to City for the 1961-62 season. He continued to live in Lincoln and finished his playing career with six seasons at Grantham.

In total he made 92 league and cup appearances for City, scoring 28 goals. Ron also played club cricket - initially for Lindum and then for several seasons with Hartsholme.

Ron Harbertson (fourth from left on the back row) with his team-mates in the 1959/60 Lincoln City squad.