Rumours: Mayo To Hartlepool? Or Two To Torquay?

22nd May 2007

The close season is almost upon us, so hence the time for football transfer gossip has begun!

Unfortunately, all the current transfer gossip involving Lincoln City FC players are about them departing Sincil Bank.

Two definitely leaving are Martin Gritton and Simon Rayner, who have not been offered new contracts for next season. Prior to their official release on Monday, there had been strong rumours that both could be set to sign for Torquay United. Gritton was once a prolific striker at Torquay, where he was named the "yellow goal machine", and some Torquay supporters have already expressed their desire to see him return to Plainmoor. Rayner spent the past few months of the season on loan at Torquay where he won fair praise for his performances. These might prove sufficient to earn him a permanent deal at Torquay. However, the validity of these two transfer rumours is complicated due to frequent boardroom and managerial changes at Torquay.

One player who offered a new contract yesterday was left-back Paul Mayo, who has not enjoyed the best of seasons. Mayo recently returned to the first team where he produced several solid displays only to be dropped when other players returned from injury and suspension. Mayo has been offered a new one-year contract but the rumour is that several other clubs are chasing him. Strongest of the rumours are that Hartlepool United and Notts County are interested in his services. Notts County are managed by former Imps' player Steve Thompson, who regularly saw Mayo perform for Lincoln during the 2005/06 season when Thompson worked as a commentator at Radio Lincolnshire.

Another who could be on his way is young midfielder Lee Frecklington, who is attracting interest throughout football. Frecklington has received countless praise for his 2006/07 season, which has not gone unnoticed by the bigger clubs. The latest transfer rumour is that Sheffield Wednesday are interested in him. Wednesday are managed by Brian laws, who is familiar with Lincolnshire football after managing Scunthorpe United for several years.

Frecklington's fellow midfielder Jeff Hughes is also attracting interest from bigger clubs. His transfer rumour is that Crystal Palace could make a move from him after they watched him earlier this season. Both Frecklington and Hughes will only leave Sincil Bank if a fee is paid.

The last transfer rumour concerns Paul Morgan, who is being linked with a move to League Two rivals Bury. This speculation has arisen as Bury recently appointed former Imps' manager Keith Alexander as their director of football. Alexander is responsible for player recruitment, which is one reason why Morgan is being touted as potential Bury player material. The other reason is that Morgan is currently on the transfer list at Sincil Bank after expressing a desire to move to the north-west where he is to undertake an university course in Manchester.

Please click the links to view cheap merchandise for Bury, Hartlepool United, Lincoln City, Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe United or Torquay United football clubs.