SADDENED OLLIE SO GRATEFUL TO LINCOLN FRIENDS
NOBODY enjoyed watching Ollie Palmer more than his cousin, Frankie Biggs – and the Lincoln striker believes the 11-year-old’s memory will spur him on for the rest of his career. Palmer wore an undershirt bearing the message ‘stay strong Frankie’ beneath his kit during the Imps’ 3-1 victory over Newport late last month in light of his long battle with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. But, following the match, Palmer received the heart-breaking news that Frankie had died during the game at Sincil Bank – a match in which Palmer scored. “My mum just called me after the game and said, ‘Ollie, Frankie died during the match’,” said the 26-year-old. “It was just horrible. He was only 11 years old. We were very close. It’s horrible and absolutely devastating. It’s just really hard and so unfair. “It really puts perspective on what’s important and what’s not important for me.” Last Tuesday, Lincoln showed their support for Palmer’s cousin. The whole team wore tribute T-shirts as a minute’s applause was held before their memorable victory on penalties over Chelsea Under-21s. Palmer scored in the shoot-out that followed a gripping 1-1 draw to help send Lincoln to Wembley. “I will keep playing for him and it spurs me on. He was a massive Chelsea fan. He would’ve loved to have been at the Checkatrade game against Chelsea,” said Palmer, who first sported a shirt to support Frankie as a Leyton Orient player in 2016. “He absolutely loved football and would want me to keep playing. I know he’ll be watching me from somewhere for the rest of my career.” Heartfelt tributes have helped Palmer cope with his loss, with Lincoln boss Danny Cowley among those who have closely supported him. “He’s brilliant and a really good man-manager. He cares a lot about his players and their families,” said Palmer. “He’s been unbelievable towards me and said I could take some time off. I had the next day off and I was just at home thinking about what happened. It was horrible and upsetting, so I would rather be at training and get distracted from it. “I have to say the Lincoln fans have been unbelievable. They’ve shown me so much love. “The amount of support I’ve had is amazing. I was on the high street recently and people were giving their condolences. “They have been really warm on social media as well. People are so supportive.” The former Mansfield man joined Lincoln last summer following their promotion from the National League and Orient’s relegation. Before this weekend, he had racked up 29 appearances in League Two – 38 in all competitions – but only seven of those have come as a starter, with Matt Green and Matt Rhead usually preferred up front. But, spurred on by Frankie’s memory, Palmer is determined to play a starring role. “Individually, I’ve not played as much as I’d have liked but I’ve still made more than 30 appearances and scored some important goals,” he said. “But I have to be patient. The gaffer has his system and it’s working well.”