By Nathan Jackson
September 5 2005

Ex-Imp Ben Sedgemore has spoken to theimps.tk about his time at Sincil Bank. "Sedge" was at the club for 3 and 1/2 years and was one of the unsung heroes of the transformation of the club. In the interview he reveals how he felt about his time at City and a ginger sex god at Canvey.

You joined the Imps in 2001 from Macclesfield. What made you want to come to Lincoln?

After three successful years at Macclesfield I basically had a choice of staying where I was, going to Carlisle with Ian Atkins or signing for Lincoln under Phil Stant.  I came up and had a good look around and liked what I saw, so I though I would give it a go. I must have been a good signing as Stanty got the sack within a week!

What was it like when Keith Alexander told you that you wouldn't be getting a new contract at the end of the 2003/4 season?

I had thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lincoln, especially the first play off season which was the best team spirit ever, with a real all for one and one for all mentality.  When Keith told me I wasn't to be offered a new deal I was a bit suprised, but I just thought it must be time to move on.  I knew
I had always given 110% but I was not sure our style always suited the way I play.  Also, I was a bit disappointed to have played every game since Christmas and then be dropped for the play-offs again even though I had been playing some of my best football.

Which do you consider to be your best game(s) in an Imps' shirt?

I think I was reasonably consistent during my time.  I always enjoyed the games against Macc, and I don't think we ever lost.  I remember doing well against Northampton and Rochdale (both away) in my last season.  One of the best games, when I really felt proud to be an Imp was when we played Hull at home in the first play-off seeason.  We went a goal up, but had a man sent off in the first half and were back at 1-1 shortly after, but the grit and determination we showed that day was a pleasue to be involved in as we hung on bravely for a point.  I think it was that game that made Peter Taylor aware of our incredible spirit.

Have you tried to get "Sedge's Sermon" into the Canvey Island programme?

The post is already filled currently by Steve Ward our longserving defender. His column  "Confessions of the Ginger Sex God" is pretty good too!

What were the best things about playing for Lincoln?

The spirit, the cameraderie and the people.  There are some great people involved with the club from the top to the bottom. I was always proud of helping towards getting to the playoff final.  To see
so many happy faces at the Millennium Stadium having been relegation favourites was great.

What were the worst things about playing for Lincoln?

Being sub in all the playoff matches, but that was the only bad thing I can think of.

What was it like to play in front of a full house at Sincil Bank?

I always got a buzz playing at Sincil Bank but this was even better when the groundstaff turned the pitch into a good surface.  It was tough sometimes when the pitch was poor as you wanted to play sharp one touch football but had to concentrate on the bobbles.  One end of season there was more grass in the car park than on the pitch!  They have done a great job in recent seasons though.

Are there really as many differences both on and off the pitch as some people claim between the league and the conference?

I think that there is a difference, mostly in professionalism and the size of squad.  The facilities are mostly better in the League.  Barnet have started off well though despite a small squad.

Finally, have you got any message for the Lincoln fans?

Thanks for always giving us your support, it really made a difference and it was great to know you were proud of us.  I would say keep up the good work. However, though I hope I am wrong, I think it will be far tougher this year due to the loss of so many good/irreplaceabl players in the last few years. I think it will be hard to find much better players than Bails, Bimmo, Futch, Weaves, Yeo, Gainy, Butch, Fletch and Paul Smith.  I think if you added Morgs, Mazza and myself to this lot we would beat everyone in the league, especially as there would be twelve of us!


Anyway all the best for the season
Sedge
"up the Imps"