Going, Going, Gone?

1st May 2008

It is that time of year when 600+ footballers sweat on their futures at their various clubs. At Lincoln City FC, it is no different as eight contracted players face an uncertain future at Sincil Bank. In addition, two other loanee players are also wondering about their future.

The retained list is expected very soon, following talks between Imps' manager Peter Jackson and his assistant Iffy Onuora. Which players will be happy and which will be unhappy is not yet known. However, we have produced a brief guide to how we think the retained list might look.

Shane Clarke - Clarke is a product of Lincoln City's youth system but it is only of late that he has established himself as a first team regular but with mixed results. Having been sent off earlier this season, there must be some credit for Clarke for overcoming his subsequent suspension to reclaim his first team place despite competition for places. When he played he showed some neat touches but next season is probably too early to ask him to play 46 league games although at 20 years old, he must be thinking of playing more regularly than his 15 appearances this season.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Staying.

Gary Croft - Croft arrived at Lincoln City last summer after being released by Grimsby Town. Unfortunately, Croft's 2007/08 season has been hampered by a long-term injury and he has made only 21 league and cup appearances for The Imps. Much will depend on whether Lincoln can secure the services of another left-back - a position that Lincoln have notoriously found difficult to fill in recent seasons.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Going. Likely destination is a Conference National club.

Lee Ridley - Ridley is currently on loan from League One club Cheltenham Town. He has performed well during his 15 appearances for Lincoln and could be a player for Jackson to sign permanently this summer. Much depends on his contract situation at Cheltenham.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Could be a summer signing for Lincoln City.

Louis Dodds - Like Ridley, Dodds is another loanee. With his parent club Leicester City facing possible relegation to League One, Dodds has an uncertain future. His Leicester contract expires in June 2008 and The Foxes have yet to hold talks with him. Dodds have revealed that if Leicester are relegated, then he might stay as he would stand a better chance of gaining a first team place than he would if Leicester remained a Championship club.

Lincoln have expressed a desire to sign Dodds permanently but alas, two other unnamed clubs have done likewise. Whether Dodds rejoins Lincoln is very uncertain but we can keep everything crossed as he has been one of the highlights of a poor season.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Leaving, unfortunately.

Ayden Duffy - Duffy has played in the past three matches - matches that Lincoln have won - whilst deputising for the injured Alan Marriott. Despite looking nervous at times, Duffy has coped amiably and looks a decent goalkeeper if only for back-up.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Staying.

Jamie Forrester - Forrester is a popular player at Sincil Bank, so Jackson faces a tough decision regarding Forrester's future. There is no doubt that a younger Forrester would be signed up immediately. Even at 33 years old, Forrester has plundered 14 league and cup goals in 43 appearances. Could there be one last season in Forrester's legs?

The Forgotten Imp verdict - 50/50 but going.

Scott Kerr - Kerr was recently sent-off albeit harshly and forced to complete a four match suspension. Last week at Morecambe, Kerr was available for selection but was not selected for the 16-man squad; that could be a telling factor. Kerr can pass the ball well but is not a goal scoring midfielder that Lincoln require.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Going. Likely destination is a League Two club.

Alan Marriott - The decision to renew Marriott's contract is going to be the toughest decision that Jackson faces. Marriott is extremely popular at Sincil Bank, especially amongst the female supporters! However, earlier in the season, Jackson dropped Marriott in favour of loanee Ben Smith, who struggled for form during his three-month stay at Lincoln. When Marriott returned, it was obvious that losing his place had taken a toll on his confidence. Since reclaiming his first team place, Marriott has restored his confidence and has made some vital saves. On the downside, Marriott is part of a leaky defence.

Marriott has been at Lincoln City for nine season so another season would see him earn a deserved testimonial game.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - A tough decision but staying, hopefully.

Adie Moses - After a injury-hit season, Moses himself fears that he has played his last game for Lincoln City FC. Having made just 21 league and cup appearances this season, it is hard not to disagree. However, one positive that Moses has is his experience and Lincoln need an old head to guide some of their young players like Danny Hone, who is bound to feature heavily next season.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Going. Likely destination is a Conference National club.

Mark Stallard - Stallard is another who has suffered an injury-hit 2007/08 season. This is a shame as Stallard played a big part in Lincoln reaching the 2006/07 season's League Two play-offs. Like Forrester, had Stallard been five years younger then there would be no doubt that he would be given a new contract. Unfortunately for Stallard, he is not.

The Forgotten Imp verdict - Going. Likely destination is a Conference National club.

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