Paul Linger

Midfielder (#23) (1998-1999) (#10) (1999-2000) (#2) (2000-2002)

Midfielder Paul Linger was signed from West Ham by Ian Coates in the pre-season of the 98-99 season. He quickly is seen as a dependable figure in the team and on the pitch as Harchester face this exciting season, contenders for the FA Cup. Providing assistance to the three Amigo's, Fletcher, Hocknell and Rodriguez, the club makes it to Wembley and although Paul misses out on selection, they secure their first FA Cup win.

A second exciting season beckons for Linger with Harchester in their first UEFA Cup campaign, and through to the second round having beaten Ajax at home in Amsterdam, tragedy strikes. Four of his team mates are killed in a private plane crash on the way home, and arriving back with the rest of the squad, Paul is supported by his wife and baby. As the club rebuilds and gets back on its feet, Linger is a reliable asset, and his goal in the 13th minute against Middlesbrough at home, leading to a 1-0 win, secures him Man of the Match to the delight of his team mates. Paul gets his biggest managerial support with the promotion of Ray Wyatt, who can often be heard yelling "LINGEAH!!" from the sidelines. Another highlight from Paul is a free kick leading to Michael Dillon scoring his first goal for Harchester, and although dumped out of the UEFA Cup at the quarter final, the club survives relegation from the Premier League.

The campaign is on to qualify for the Champions League under Ray in 2000-01, and in the final match of the season, the gaffer is left fuming when the ref disallows another foul on Harchester by West Ham, this time refusing a free kick for a challenge on Linger. After a 3-2 win against The Hammers, Liverpool draw 1-1 with Man City and Harchester achieve their first Champions League place.

Now with four seasons under his Harchester belt, Paul could be seen as a long-term Dragon. He travels to the Son Moix to face Real Mallorca, and although an early exit from the Champions League, there is still the UEFA Cup once more. Harchester go the distance, and reach the final in Amsterdam, but with a coach crash killing three more team mates, the Dragons lose 1-0 to AC Milan. Following which, Paul departs for Queens Park Rangers.