Boro’ boss John Bailey brought in winger Lee Payne as one of three loan signings from Barnet during the 1987-8 campaign. The 21-year-old signed from the Bees in February 1988, in fact; a move designed to reverse our fortunes. At the time, Boro’ were inching ever closer to the drop from Vauxhall Opel League Division One. Ultimately, however, Payne’s arrival couldn’t prevent that. He only featured in a couple of matches before returning to Underhill.

Lee Payne: After Boro’

He didn’t set the world alight at Broadhall Way. But whatever he did at Barnet would seemingly capture the imagination of bigger clubs. Shortly into the following season, he secured a transfer to Newcastle United for what’s said to be a non-league record fee at the time of £125,000. After the Magpies came Reading and two spells in Reading. Payne has since retired (obviously); going onto become a scout for clubs such at West Ham – before becoming an agent.