One of three players to join us on deadline day 2004, Lee Barnard came from Spurs with the aim of creating a name for himself in the Conference. The one-month loan deal was a way of getting himself noticed back at White Hart Lane too; the striker already spending a bit of time with Exeter City during the 2002-3 campaign. With him described as the new Teddy Sheringham, hopes were high for what Barnard could do for us.

A handful of outings and the one single goal didn’t paint a full or true picture of his ability. But Barnard did go on to prove himself at League level, even if it wasn’t to be with Spurs. He even came back to us for a second loan spell during the 2014-5 campaign; scoring a trio of goals in eight appearances and making much more of his time with us second time round. By this point, he had joined Southend United for a second time to neatly bookend his time at Southampton.

Lee Barnard: After Boro’

After returning to Roots Hall, Barnard left the club that summer and moved to Crawley Town. By this point, his career trajectory was now moving down the ladder; later clubs to include Braintree Town, Chelmsford City and Maldon & Tiptree.

Image: Keith Mayhew (if incorrect, please contact us and we’ll happily credit you)