Sheffield Wednesday will look to add former Lincoln City defender Regan Poole to their squad ahead of their return to the Championship, writes The Star.
After their dramatic playoff success, Darren Moore is looking to put together a team ready to compete in the second tier and reports are that he sees the former City captain and Manchester United youth graduate as part of that.
Who is Regan Poole?
Poole is a Cardiff born 24-year-old defender who can operate across the back four or in a back five and was named Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year at the end of his first full season with the Imps having joined from MK Dons in January 2021.
After beginning his career at his home town club, Poole would move on to Newport County where he would make his professional debut but play just 17 games for the club before a move to 20 times English champions Manchester United came calling for a reported fee of £200 000. A breakthrough into the United first team never really happened for the young Welshman, although he did appear for them in the Europa League when he was an 89th minute substitute against FC Midtjylland.
During his time at Old Trafford, he would enjoy loan spells in League One and Two with Northampton and Newport respectively as well as being part of the Under 21 team that won their Premier League. When the time came to leave United, Poole would sign for MK Dons on a free transfer and would find himself a regular in the Dons defence over the following 18 months.
He would then join League One high-fliers Lincoln City in January 2021 and would eventually help the club to the playoff final, suffering defeat to Blackpool at Wembley. The following season would see Poole captain the side on occasion and his form would see him earn the double Player of the Year crowns in what was a disappointing follow up season to the playoff push of the previous year.
Poole had another fine season in 2022-23 as was an almost ever-present as the Imps formed a miserly defence, conceding the 5th fewest goals in the division.
Writer’s View
Poole has been excellent for Lincoln City in his two full seasons, perhaps taking the first six months to really settle in and has deservedly won the individual awards that have come his way and can’t be begrudged a move higher in the football pyramid.
He has the ability to play at right back or centre back in a four or as a wing-back or centre back in a five and his athleticism, determination and skill endeared him to the supporters and I am sure will do the same with the Hillsborough faithful should he make the move to Yorkshire.
I think this would be an excellent move for Poole as he will get a move not only to the Championship but to one of the bigger sides in the division and a very good move for the club as they will be bringing in a man with over 250 senior appearances, the ability to play in different positions and who will wear his heart on his sleeve and give his all for the club. Despite his experience, the defender is still only 24 and so will inject some youth into the Wednesday squad as they prepare to tackle the Championship and would also represent fantastic business financially, getting a player of his ability for free.
