Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala has outlined what Imps’ supporters can expect from Deadline Day this year.
His side are currently in the top six in League One, albeit after three matches. With two wins under their belt, and eight goals scored, they’re looking to pick up where they left off last season. They stormed into the top six with a remarkable run under the former Leeds United coach, only to stumble on the final day against the Champions, Portsmouth.
This season, they’ve sought to cover their injuries, a situation which dampened their campaign in 23/24. They spent the first half of the season with one fit striker, and the second half without key midfielders. This week, they unveiled Bailey Cadamarteri on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, taking their striker tally to five fit, and one long-term injured, Tyler Walker.
However, the incoming doesn’t mean an outgoing. There had been lots of talk of a second League Two loan for Freddie Draper, but Skubala put those rumours to bed with a firm rebuke in a recent interview.
“No plan to change anything,” said the 41-year-old, when asked if a player was likely to head out on loan. “We like the options we have up front; they’re all different. We ask a lot of our strikers, and with games coming thick and fast, we’ll need everyone.
“Adding to the unit strengthens it, and we think Bailey will contribute to the group with his physicality, pace, and ability to score goals. We’re really happy with what we’ve done.”
“We’re playing two up top for most games, so we need two strikers. They work hard, making it difficult for them to play three games a week. We needed to ensure we have depth in that area, which I think we now have.”
It’s been a busy transfer window for the Imps, with no fewer than 11 new faces at the club. They sold three goalkeepers and brought three in, as well as adding significant depth in the middle of the park. This week, as well as Cadamarteri, they also signed Swedish Under 21 international Erik Ring, who is waiting on a work permit. Skubala admitted that he is happy with the business the club has done, and that fans shouldn’t expect much on Deadline Day.
“I think we’re done. I’m happy with the group and the strength in depth. If something pops up that provides cover in certain areas, we might consider it, but if we don’t do anything else, I’m still really pleased. In all instances, I’m happy with where we are, but you never know if the right opportunity arises late in the window. We might add to the squad, but for now, I’m content.”
The Imps have a first-team squad of 26, with four players out on loan. Some supporters believed there may be more outgoings; Jay Benn is a right wing-back who hasn’t had much game time, while on of the keepers is thought to be heading out on loan. However, Skubala didn’t seem too fussed about sending players who might not get game time out on loan, replying there were ‘no major changes’ expected to his squad.
“Maybe one player might go out, but overall, I’m very happy with the squad,” he added. “After the international break, we’ll be playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, so the strength in depth will be crucial. I’m really pleased with the competitiveness of the group, and it’s great that they’ll be fighting for places.”
The Imps face Stevenage tomorrow before Chesterfield visits on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy, the first meeting between the old rivals since 2018 and their first cup clash in 21 years. After that, it’s the international break, with their game against Northampton postponed due to call-ups within their squad.
Writer’s View
Skubala talks like a manager who has nothing to fear and no pressure on Deadline Day. The Imps have had a tough time as windows close in the past. In 2017, Simeon Akinola signed, and Barnet sent the paperwork through late, so the deal collapsed. In 2021, Morgan Whittaker was at the training ground ready to sign, but Swansea pulled the plug just before the window closed and the Imps had to wait until January to get their man. Last season, Jack Vale came in, but he arrived injured, and within a week, their other two strikers had the same fate befall them. It’s often tough for the Imps.
However, as with the winter window, they’ve got their business done early, and there’s no feeling of panic. They’re under no pressure to sell anyone, and their squad has depth throughout. There are bigger spenders in the division, clubs spending more on wages and transfer fees than ever before, but in Lincolnshire, it feels like there’s a quiet calm, a belief they’ve done the best they can and come out of the window stronger than when they went in.
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