The largest group of players, those who have played in the Europa League, will now be discussed. There are a lot of things to work on, so I had to separate this from the UEFA Cup.
Robert Taylor
UEFA Europa League (2016)
Robert Taylor played in the 2016 UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds with Finnish side Rovaniemen Palloseura (RoPS), featuring in a tie against Shamrock Rovers. At the time, Taylor was an emerging midfield talent making his name in Scandinavian football. Long before that, however, he was a youth trainee at Sincil Bank, where he spent time developing in the Imps’ academy system. Although he never made a senior appearance for the club, his career has taken a remarkable trajectory since leaving Sincil Bank.
Following spells in Finland and Norway, Taylor made a high-profile move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he now plays alongside global superstar Lionel Messi. In 2024, he became one of the first former Lincoln City trainees to appear in the CONCACAF Champions Cup — the region’s premier club competition. Taylor’s journey from Lincoln’s youth ranks to the top tier of North and Central American football is one of the most unexpected and impressive in recent memory.
Alan Power
Europa League (2019–20)
Alan Power played in the Europa League qualifiers for Kilmarnock during the 2019–20 season. He made two appearances in their first-round tie against Connah’s Quay Nomads of Wales. Despite a shock elimination over two legs, Power’s involvement marked a significant moment in a career largely built in domestic football. Before his time in Scotland,
Power became a cult hero during his six years at Lincoln City. During some of the team’s more difficult years outside of the Football League, he set an example in midfield as captain. Supporters admired his leadership, discipline, and consistency, and he played a significant role in the 2016–17 season that revitalised the team.
Even though Power’s trips to Europe were short, they were a well-deserved high point in the end of a career characterised by longevity and professionalism.
