Town legend Jacko bids farewell in fine style

Road in 1990 - a brilliant signing by manager Eoin Hand - the colossal central defender immediately became a rock of the team. He helped Town reach a first-ever play-off campaign and, in 1994, a first Wembley appearance for the club in 56 years (although much to his disappointment he didn’t get on the pitch at Wembley).

Like Danny Cowley a former manager of Lincoln City, Jacko’s influence was also massive as manager. Brought back to take over Brian Horton in October 1997 and with Town in trouble, he mastermined what became known as The Great Escape.

The following campaign he took Town to the top of the Championship at one stage but he was dismissed after a 10th-place finish as Town went for Steve Bruce.

A few years later, however, as Town slipped into administration, they were in desperate need of inspiration. Jackson was the man.

While only eight players turned up on the first day of pre-season training in 2003, Jackson guided a team of youngsters and selected old heads to promotion via the play-offs - winning admiration throughout the league and cementing his place as a Town legend.

He remained in charge until 2007 and has been a popular visitor to the stadium ever since.

And it’s the venue where, 22 years ago, Jackson made an emotional farewell as a player. With Town closing in on that Great Escape, Jacko donned the blue and white stripes one final time, in a Reserve game against West Brom on April 1, 1998. And he didn’t disappoint, scoring a penalty in a 5-1 win.