Striker Matt Rhead has left Lincoln City to join National League South side Billericay Town for an undisclosed fee.
The thirty-five-year-old leaves having won two league titles and the EFL Trophy during an incredible medal-laden four-year stint with the Imps. He was also a vital member of the side that reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2017, winning the man of the match award in Lincoln’s memorable fifth-round victory over Premier League Burnley at Turf Moor, where he famously tussled all game with Joey Barton.
He ended his Lincoln career with fifty goals in near on two hundred appearances, and the news he was leaving for Essex was greeted with genuine sadness by many Lincoln fans.
Rhead epitomised the spirit and determination that lay behind Lincoln’s rise. His in your face style and the way he continued to prove all his doubters and critics wrong has obviously won the hearts of many Imps fans judging by the reaction to the news on social media.
Rhead’s exploits have rightly earned him legendary status at the club, and while his outings became less frequent as Lincoln progressed, he remained a massive presence at Sincil Bank, and many fans were heartbroken over his exit.
Here is a small selection of their responses to the news on twitter.
What a shock. Just off to cry myself to sleep
— Russell handley (@Imp4l) July 25, 2019
How do I unlike this? I’m devastated 😭
— Jane Churchill (@churchybabes) July 25, 2019
Totally gutted.
— Dean Williamson (@Soberano69) July 25, 2019
Heartbroken
— Mr Gav (@tomgavinado) July 25, 2019
Can’t believe this has actually happened 🙁
— Hamish Chalmers (@chalmershamish) July 25, 2019
Absolute legend!!!! Good luck to him
— Marcus Clayson 5️⃣0️⃣9️⃣ (@MarcusClayson) July 25, 2019
My heart has just sunk to the floor 😢
— Heidi langham (@scattybatty) July 25, 2019
Thank you Rheady. Complete legend 🔴⚪️
— Skip (@skipology) July 25, 2019
What can I say. Rheady u Lincoln legend. Thanks for everything mate. What a 4 years. Wish you nothing but luck in your next challenge. Thanks for the memories. RHEADY. Once an imp always an imp. UTI
— Sam Comins (@Comins1Sam) July 25, 2019
Absolutely gutted ! He could still do a great job for us
— Gary Burr 💙 (@gary_burr) July 25, 2019
I can't believe I'm reading this. I know footballers move on but I was half hoping he'd join the coaching staff. Dear Matt….an open letter from me…"Thanks for everything …always an Imp "
— Dan Norton (@Dlnorton150879) July 25, 2019
Absolutely gutted, can understand the reasons but do wish it could of been announced after the game last night or put on hold until Monday! #fansfavourite and the fans don’t get to honour the legend that he is! #ThankYouRheady
— Adam Kirk (@Kirky_113) July 25, 2019
Good luck big man. You have been a star for the imps and will be greatly missed. What a player you are.