The Imps completed their deadline day business with the permanent signing of Max Sanders from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, following the news that Aaron Lewis had left by mutual consent, Max Melbourne had been loaned out to League Two side Walsall and Cohen Bramall had joined The Imps on a permanent deal from League Two side Colchester United.
Following the transfer window closing, I asked the Vital Lincoln City members for their thoughts on The Imps January transfer dealings. Here’s what sedgleyimp said:
As we entered into January many of our thoughts turned to whether or not our young loanees would be recalled at 22:59 hours on the 1st of February. I think it is fair to say that we were all pretty much punched in the stomach at the close of business this time last year thanks to the goings-on with Tyler Walker’s recall so late in the day. Yet in that window, the foundations for this season were built. Anthony Scully and Tayo Edun came in and loans were made for Liam Bridcutt and TJ Eyoma, players who have cemented their place in this years squad. January is so often the worst time to try and get those players in, yet last year it was played pretty well.
So on paper, you assess the business done this window and when you assess those players allowed to leave, be it via transfer, loan or release and compare them to those brought into the club, well the quality and potential of those who are now Imps is there to see.
It’s not just that. It’s the on-going vision of this club and where they want to be in 12 months time and beyond. Three of the four new faces have signed significant contracts that will keep them here for a number of seasons. The squad has been balanced with next season in mind.
TJ Eyoma has been superb all season yet the chances of him wearing a Lincoln shirt next season is slim. So that preparation has been done with the signing of Regan Poole.
Liam Bridcutt is our oldest player and still has some good football left in his legs, but he won’t last forever and will need more rest between matches. Again that preparation has been done with Max Sanders.
Many said we needed a left-back. Tayo has done fantastically of late in that position, but we now have a player in Conor Bramall who is a natural in that position. Preparation for the next level again.
Morgan Rogers is a superb talent who will benefit from his time with us. I wouldn’t be shocked if he remained on loan with us next season if we made it to the Championship.
That has been what this window has been about. The next level. The next few years. Players are being bought for the Championship. Players are being bought for the future.
All of this is minded that we have retained our significant loan players in Johnson, Eyoma and especially Palmer in goal. Premier League quality players who are improving by their time with us.
We should also not forget another big signing made only a few days ago when Jorge Grant signed that extension to his contract. That was a huge moment in this window as well.
It’s a heady time to be a supporter of Lincoln City. Impossible dreams just might be around the corner.
Current Squad (information provided by Scotimp):
Goalkeepers: (2)
Sam Long, 18 (unknown)
Alex Palmer, 24 (season loan from WBA)
Ethan Ross, 23 (June 2021) (on loan to Weymouth to the end of the season)
Defenders: (9)
Joe Walsh, 28 (unknown) Centre-half
Lewis Montsma, 22 (June 2023) Centre-half
Sean Roughan, 17 (June 2023) Centre-half / left-back
Tayo Edun, 22 (June 2022) Left-back
Adam Jackson, 26 (unknown) Centre-half
Cohen Bramall, 24 (unknown) Left-back
Regan Poole, 22 (unknown) Right-back / centre-half
Hayden Cann, 17 (June 2023) Centre-half
TJ Eyoma, 20 (season loan from Spurs) Right-back/centre-half
Max Melbourne, 22 (June 2022) Left-back (on loan to Walsall to the end of the season)
Central Midfielders: (5)
Jorge Grant, 26 (June 2023)
James Jones, 24 (June 2023)
Max Sanders (June 2023)
Liam Bridcutt, 31 (unknown)
Conor McGrandles, 25 (unknown)
Wingers: (3)
Harry Anderson, 23 (June 2021)
Theo Archibald, 22 (unknown)
Remy Howarth, 23 (June 2021)
Zack Elbouzedi, 22 (unknown, ‘long-term deal’) (on loan to Bolton to the end of the season)
Strikers: (5)
Tom Hopper, 27 (June 2023)
Anthony Scully, 21 (June 2021)
Callum Morton, 20 (season loan from WBA)
Brennan Johnson, 19 (season loan from Nottingham Forest)
Morgan Rogers, 18 (on loan from Man City to the end of the season)
Total: 24
Contracted: 22
In on loan: 5
Out on loan: 3
Average age at 31 December 2020: 23 years 0 months
(excluding players out on loan)
Reaction To The Imps Transfer Window Business:https://t.co/SJqifd7Xu7#ManCity #ColU #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/CkL2xOlTyr
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 2, 2021
