PETER JACKSON guided Town to promotion in 2004 and insisted: “Andy Booth was the inspiration for that whole campaign.”

Now back in swing as manager at Lincoln City after battling his way back from throat cancer treatment, Jackson still keeps a close eye on Town having steered them into League I at the first attempt under chairman Ken Davy after the dark days of administration in 2003.

It was an achievement which further cemented Jackson in the affections of the fans – he was hugely popular as an aggressive and accomplished centre-back – and he acknowledges the role which Boothy played.

“When I first came to Town as a player and Boothy was just a young lad, you could tell he was going to be a really good player,” said Jackson.

“He had lots of ability, trained hard, worked tirelessly at his game and became an excellent pro.

“Boothy was at Sheffield Wednesday in my first spell at the Galpharm as manager, but when I returned to the club after the administration he was magnificent both on and off the field.

“He was an inspiration to everybody that promotion season. We had only eight players training my first day back, but I was delighted Boothy was one of them.

“He was such a help to me and to the staff at the club through my whole time as manager and you couldn’t wish to meet a nicer person than Andy Booth – I can’t pay him any higher compliment.”

Jackson added: “He was the best pro to work with in my eyes, never a moment’s problem to deal with.

“It’s no surprise he has had such a tremendous career because he’s honest, hard-working and talented – and his contribution to the club can’t be overstated.”