A Lincoln City fan admits he was starstruck after finding out one of his all-time Imps heroes is now his postman.
Stephen Donnison couldn’t believe his eyes after seeing former City striker Gavin Gordon delivering post on his estate in Heckington near Sleaford.
The 66-year-old admits he didn’t recognise the forward at first, who was sold by the Imps to Cardiff City in December 2000 for a six-figure sum.
But once the retiree realised who the postman was, he says he wasted no time in going over and asking for a photograph.
He said: “This postman was impressing us with his speed in delivering letters and his big, friendly smile.
“I thought, where have I seen him before?
“My son-in-law works in Sleaford for the Royal Mail and he said: ‘Don’t you know who he is? ‘It’s Gavin Gordon.’
“I went 'oh my gosh’. I didn’t recognise him because of the big Royal Mail jackets they wear.
“The next day I was looking out for him and he came bearing a parcel with his big grin. I said: ‘selfie’.
“He was one of my heroes – I was starstruck.”
Mr Donnison says his meeting with the former Sincil Bank star is one he will remember fondly.
“He [Gavin] is a gentleman. He talks really nicely and laughs freely,” he said.
“Everyone in the village says how charming he is."
He still has fond memories of the striker, who scored 29 times in 99 games for the Imps between 1997 and 2000.
“I can’t really pick a favourite moment - he knocked in a lot of goals," he said.
“Sadly, I remember how he suffered with injuries.”
Gavin Gordon in action for the Imps during the 2-1 win over Hull City in January 15, 2000
The meeting is not the first time Mr Donnison, an Imps fan since the 60s, has met one of his heroes.
“Tony Emery was my dad’s step-brother,” he added.