Lincoln sign Howell and Gowling

Lincoln City boss Steve Tilson has made two successful raids into the transfer market this week, signing MK Dons midfielder Luke Howell and Gillingham defender Josh Gowling. Both have penned one-month loan deals with the Imps and both could make their debuts away at Wycombe on Saturday.

Howell, who will wear the number 15 shirt, is currently out of favour with the Dons, making just three appearances this season, and he admits he is delighted to be at Lincoln. He said: ‘As soon as I heard about the possibility of coming up here, I was desperate to get up as soon as possible. I’ve not had a chance at MK this season and this gives me the chance to get a few games and see what I can do.

Howell, 23, also said the management pairing of Tilson and assistant Paul Brush was a major factor in him signing for the Imps. He added: ‘Steve Tilson and Paul Brush were a definite attraction as they like to play good, attractive football and their sides are always hard to beat. There are some good players here, but I will train hard as I can and hopefully get the chance to play.

‘I played with Drewe [Broughton] and Mustapha [Carayol] at MK and knowing a couple of the lads will help me settle in. It’s a brilliant set-up here [at Carlton Boulevard]. I’m looking at this move as a long-term deal – while I don’t exactly feel unwanted at MK, they have a big set of players and by allowing me to leave on loan, my future could be away from there.’

In a revealing interview, Howell told reporters he will be utilised in a midfield position with City and that MK Dons have allowed him to appear in the FA Cup while with Lincoln. ‘I prefer playing in midfield, that’s my first choice – MK used me in the right-back position for a bit, but I’m here to play in midfield. Lincoln have checked with MK today and they said they’ll let me play in the Cup.’

Meanwhile, one-time City target Gowling has been allowed to leave Gillingham despite starting eight of their 13 League games this season. The Coventry-born centre-back, who has also played for Bournemouth, Carlisle and Hereford, made 30 League outings for the Gills last season as they were relegated from League One.

Andy Hessenthaler, manager of the Kent club, described Gowling as being depressed after losing his place in the side following a 7-4 thrashing at Accrington. He said: “He doesn`t want to sit on the bench, he wants to go out and play games. I can understand that frustration. I knew he was depressed at not being involved in the last few games, He asked to have his name circulated and Lincoln said they were interested.”

Elsewhere, the rumour-mill continues to whir away and former Scunthorpe centre-back Andy Butler has been linked with a move to Sincil Bank. The 26-year-old was released by Huddersfield at the end of last season and has not been able to find a club yet despite spending some with Rochdale, although his agent Zoran Krneta says his client will be a useful addition to any squad.

‘Andy is an experienced left-footed centre-half which are becoming quite difficult to find at the moment,’ Krneta said. ‘Andy is ready to play regular football again and his wealth of experience would be an advantage to any club.’