Luke Waterfall, a stalwart of Lincoln City’s National League winning side in 2017, has joined National League North newcomers Worksop Town.
The 34-year-old centre-back, who was released by HArtlepool United last month, becomes one of the most high-profile additions to the part-time game this summer.
Captain and Leader
Waterfall arrived at Victoria Park in January 2024 and was quickly handed the captain’s armband ahead of the 2024–25 season. He formed a solid partnership with Tom Parkes during his early months at the club, but a testing second season saw him sent off twice in his opening four games and struggle for form and fitness across a challenging campaign. In total, he made 42 appearances in a year-and-a-half with the National League side.
Despite that, Worksop Town manager Craig Parry was full of praise for the veteran leader:
“Luke is another leader amongst men. He’s had an unbelievable career in full-time football, playing at an exceptional level, and will bring a lot of skills to us in the back line that will help us along this journey.”
Born in Sheffield, Waterfall began his career with Barnsley before professional stints at Tranmere Rovers, Scunthorpe United, Wrexham, and Mansfield Town. His career took off at Lincoln City, where he was named club captain and played a central role in their National League title-winning season in 2016–17. He also led the Imps to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and lifted the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2018.
That success led to a move to Shrewsbury Town in League One, though he would leave after one season to join Grimsby Town, where he experienced more play-off glory. In May 2022, Waterfall scored twice in a dramatic 5–4 semi-final win against Wrexham and then captained Grimsby to victory over Solihull Moors to secure a return to the Football League. His consistent performances that season earned him a place in the National League Team of the Year.
Waterfall was also part of the Grimsby team that reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2023 with a famous 2–1 win at Southampton, again echoing his earlier Lincoln feats.
Writer’s View
Luke Waterfall’s switch to Worksop Town may surprise some, but it represents a smart piece of business for the newly-promoted club. His vast experience—spanning promotions, cup runs, and captaincy at numerous clubs—will be invaluable at this level.
For Waterfall, the move to part-time football likely reflects a desire for a better balance later in his career, especially after a bruising campaign with Hartlepool. If his leadership and nous rub off on those around him, Worksop could become a genuine force in their first season at this level.
