Will it be Clarke or Evans Then?

With Chris Fagan`s exciting signature sealed, many feel the big budget big man will be either Ipswich`s Billy Clarke or the 6 foot Gareth Evans from Macclesfield. The 21-year-old former Crewe graduate was top scorer in a struggling side last season with 13 goals. Billy Clarke meanwhile starred for overspending Brentford who went up as Champions with an 8-figure debt time bomb.

The smart money is on Gareth Evans after another target Ryan Lowe sealed a deal with Bury. Lowe’s wage demands were a little high for a winger who has also played well down the middle with 18 goals last season. Jamie Clarke was felt to be a more promising option, leaving more in the budget for the two fullbacks and of course the additional striker. The transfers in so far suggest a passing game, dare we say it a return to the hallowed Schoeyball? Butcher, Clarke and Fagan suggest options that will give us pace and panache, though Kovacs, Hone Swaibu and of course 6 foot Butcher will be a menace at set pieces. Now we have a Spanish office who knows perhaps Imp Professor of football – Iffy Onuora – may also have another Hoddle Academy gem up his sleeve in the full back department.


As for Fagan, he will be a star this year. Very much in the Patulea mould, he also has pace, poise and a dribble and control to torment League 2 defences. He and Clarke`s abilities may yet bring the best out of Oakes should his discussions with 3 Southern Clubs fall apart. Republic U21 Fagan’s name alone has huge potential, after all these days money does not grow on trees so you`ve gotta pick a pocket or two Imps, you`ve gotta pick a pocket or two.