Michael Skubala Explains Lincoln City Attacker Drive

Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala has explained why the club have opted to bring in another attacker after it was confirmed that Coventry City forward Justin Obikwu has joined on a season-long loan deal.

The Imps have had a busy transfer deadline day thus far, having already confirmed the arrivals of Adam Reach and Fin Barbrook earlier today. Obikwu looks to be the final face through the door at the LNER Stadium, although he will face a host of competition in the attacking positions.

Skubala has already added Francis Okoronkwo and Oscar Thorn to his ranks, whilst Rob Street has been a regular during the early stages of the campaign following his successful loan spell at Doncaster Rovers last season. They also have James Collins, Ben House and Freddie Draper battling for a spot in the front line.

Skubala Delighted With Options

Lincoln have started the season well, losing just once in all competitions. Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Mansfield Town saw them slip to ninth, although the result was a case of ‘what might’ve been’ following Sonny Bradley’s first half sending off.

They host Wigan Athletic on Saturday hoping to return to winning ways, where supporters will be eager to see where the new faces fit. Speaking to official club media following the announcement of Obikwu’s arrival, Skubala addressed the conundrum:

“Justin has a profile that is extremely interesting, which we feel compliments and supplements our forward players.  He has pace and power that along with Rob Street, gives us a real ‘threat in-behind’ as a central striker. 

“When we then consider Reeco Hackett, Ben House, Jack Moylan, Oscar Thorn, Erik Ring and Francis Okoronkwo, as well as Freddie Draper and James Collins, we feel that we have every type of attacking option to be threat against any type of opposition.”

Writer’s View

This is an interesting signing for Lincoln and one that will get the rumour mill buzzing again following the weekend’s news that the club had fielded a bid for Rob Street. They’ve already brought in reinforcements for Jovon Makama, who left for Norwich City earlier in the window. This is where Okoronkwo seems to fit in, although Street has been accommodated on the right wing too. It’s likely that Skubala will rotate his front line heavily in the coming weeks to see what fits, but it seems as if the Imps are opting for a ‘we’re going to score one more than you’ tactic.