Lincoln City have opened “tentative” talks with experienced defender Joe Walsh over a new contract as the Welshman’s contract comes to an end in the summer. Sources have informed TheRealEFL.
Walsh’s career at the LNER stadium has been blighted by injury, which has meant he has only made 51 appearances for the club since he joined in August 2020. This season he has only made 13 appearances and is currently on the sidelines requiring treatment. The source was keen to stress that these talks are only tentative at this stage and there is no guarantee that both sides will come to an agreement.
The club are confident that the training and fitness routines that have been produced this year to minimise Walsh’s injury layoffs will bear fruit next season. However to hand the player a new contract would be seen as a significant risk after so little game time over the years. Should the player continue to pick up injuries it could mean an expensive £ per minute return.
With Adam Jackson and TJ Eyoma’s contract possibly coming to an end as well as the expected departure of Regan Poole it could mean a complete defensive overhaul when the transfer window opens. Sean Roughan is attracting interest from Southampton and Lewis Montsma has suffered a setback after returning from a year-long injury. Mark Kennedy faces a task to rebuild, an experienced head such as Walsh could help to settle in the new players should he keep fit.
Lincoln City have had a respectable season and are looking likely to finish in the middle of the pack after an impressive record at home, only losing to Peterborough in 19 games. A strong defense has been a key building block for this success and it could mean a squad overhaul in the summer.
Writer’s View
I’d argue that Walsh is the Imps best defender when he stays fit. It is however those last few words that are the problem.
How confident are the Lincoln City medical/ fitness team in keeping the Welshman fit? Could the wages be spent better on a player that may not be as good but can play 90% of games be better? You can look at the impact of Paudie O’Connor who has been impressive this season especially for his ability to be there week in and week out.
