Former Celtic youngster Theo Archibald is being linked with a move to Lincoln City, as reported in today’s Sun on Sunday.
Archibald struggled to make the grade at Celtic Park, appearing for their Under 20 side as well as enjoying a loan spell with Albion Rovers in the 2016/17 season. Despite regular appearances for them, he moved south of the border not long after.
Championship side Brentford secured his services, but only made a couple of appearances for them during his time in West London, although he did score one in 21 outings on loan at Forest Green. At the end of his Griffin Park deal, Sol Campbell signed him up for Macclesfield, but the Silkmen are in financial trouble and have already seen players leave through failure to be paid on time.
Lincoln City are currently a couple of wins away from safety in League One but do look likely to retain third-tier status for the first time since the 1984/85 season under new manager Michael Appleton.
The 22-year-old left-winger fits the profile of player he’s been signing recently, with a heavy focus on young talent he can develop, such as former Fulham man Tayo Edun, or Anthony Scully who signed from West Ham.
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This does seem to fit the Lincoln mould at present. Michael Appleton has a good track record with young players, seeing the likes of Kemar Roofe sign as virtual unknowns at Oxford but leave for big sums.
Whilst it isn’t really the time to be pursuing players, the role of a football manager is one of always being alert to the possibility and if Archibald is coming available, then fair play to Appleton for looking into capturing his signature.
Good on Michael for using this inactive period to pursue potential signings. When football starts up again we’ll see who’s ready and who isn’t. Up the Mighty Imps!