Player News Round-up

12th May 2008

Lincoln City FC are busy preparing a nearly new squad as Ryan Amoo becomes the latest player to be shown the door.

Amoo has joined five others who, over the past week, have left Sincil Bank, although Amoo's contract has been terminated by "mutual consent" rather than being released. The former Aston Villa trainee joined The Imps in July 2006 and instantly became a vital part of Lincoln City's first team that began the 2006/07 season so well. Unfortunately, as the season went on, he tended to drift in and out of matches, as Lincoln's promotion hopes began to crumble.

Amoo's departure is far from unexpected, as he spent much of last season unable to break into current Imps' boss Peter Jackson's 16-man squad.

Predicted by supporters as the next to depart Lincoln is utility player Nat Brown. However, like Amoo, Brown has one-year left on his current contract and might decided to continue challenging for a first team place as unlike Amoo, Brown was often named in Jackson's squads. Brown is a utility player, who can play virtually anywhere except goalkeeper and on the left. With Jackson expected to keep faith with a much smaller squad size, Brown's utility skill could be utilised.

Further speculation on Brown is that he could join up with former Imps' boss Keith Alexander at Macclesfield Town. Early last season, Alexander, while at Bury, made an enquiry regarding Brown's absence for Lincoln team, but took it no further as Brown was injured.

Speaking of speculation regarding Macclesfield is that they are interested in signing former Imps' goalkeeper Alan Marriott. In January this year, the rumour around Bury was that Alexander was poised to make a move for Marriott, who was out of favour at Sincil Bank at the time. However, Alexander departed Bury before anything could transpire.

One player who appears less likely to join Lincoln City is Retford United striker Neil Harvey, who has signed a new contract with Retford. During April, Harvey had impressed while on trail with Lincoln and it was thought that The Imps could offer him a deal for at least a further trial in the summer. Other professional clubs have also been monitoring Harvey. The situation now means that Retford would most likely ask for a transfer fee for Harvey; however, the fee is unlikely to be one that would break the bank.

Lincoln could also turn to Harvey as it is still uncertain whether Imps' striker Jamie Forrester will remain at Sincil Bank next season, despite being promised a new one-year contract. Last week, it was announced that Lincoln were offering new deals to Forrester, Ayden Duffy and Shane Clarke, but it appears that the actual contracts have yet to be offered. Forrester is wanted by at least two other unnamed clubs, with one of those thought to be Grimsby Town.

The good news is that Jackson has stated his aim to bring in six or seven new players before the season starts. Alas, due to various reasons, it is expected that no-one will sign until June but we continue to hope otherwise.

One other person hoping to sign a new contract is assistant-manager Iffy Onuora, whose previous short-term deal expires at the end of the season. Onuora, who has done a very good job at deputising for the ill Jackson, is tipped to stay at Sincil Bank.

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