Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala has jokingly admitted he may have to “hide” Nottingham Forest loanee Joe Gardner after his impressive performance against Crawley Town on Tuesday night.
The young forward, who endured a difficult start to his Imps career after receiving a controversial red card on his debut against Cambridge United, has quickly bounced back. Following a promising display against Barnsley at the weekend, Gardner made a significant impact during his 30-minute cameo against Crawley, capping off his performance with a well-taken goal from a tight angle.
Gardner’s Impact at Lincoln
When asked whether Lincoln were considering keeping Gardner for next season, Skubala acknowledged the decision ultimately rests with his parent club but hinted at wanting to keep him under wraps.
“Yeah, we probably have to hide him a little bit,” confessed Skubala. “We just need to make sure that, like we do at this club, we look after Joe. We have to help him with his development, and whatever happens in the summer for Joe will obviously be controlled by Forest. It’s not for us to decide, but while he’s here, we try to keep him developing and learning.”
Lincoln’s Track Record of Developing Young Talent
Lincoln City has built a strong reputation for nurturing young players on loan, with names like Morgan Rogers and Brennan Johnson making headlines after their time at the club. The likes of Alex Palmer, Morgan Whittaker, and Brooke Norton-Cuffy have also benefited from their stints at Sincil Bank before progressing in their careers.
Skubala reinforced the club’s commitment to player development, explaining that Gardner’s time at Lincoln is about more than just minutes on the pitch.
“He’s come here to improve—he hasn’t come here just to play, but to develop as well. Whether he gets time off the bench or starts games, as long as he’s improving, we’ll be happy, and that keeps our relationship strong. What will happen in the future with loan players, like anything, is uncertain. They could go back, and you never see them again. But while he’s here, we’re trying to maximize his potential and help him grow.”
Writer’s View
Gardner’s display against Crawley was a tantalising glimpse of what he can offer, but expectations must be managed. With Lincoln having little to play for this season beyond pride, his performances could be a rare bright spot in the run-in. However, for now, the focus remains on Gardner’s development, and Lincoln fans will be hoping he continues to impress in the final weeks of the season.
