Summer transfer rumours deux, the 'Appy edition.

Scrafton said this morning:

"It was always going to be an uphill struggle for the Imps when instrumental loanees Alex Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Brennan Johnson weren’t adequately replaced while Jorge Grant, the crux of the side, was sold to Peterborough United. As an aside, I understand the Seasiders actually have their eyes on a couple of those players. Remember Rogers was already mooted as a replacement for Josh Bowler while Neil Critchley was still in charge."

So, Rogers plus Palmer or Grant? Palmer is a keeper now at WBA but not getting games. Grant at Posh.
 
It'll be Rogers and Grant. Grant has been put up for transfer by Posh, Hearts have already had a bid rejected.

Rogers was on loan at Bournemouth last season, so I doubt that City would be willing to send him here, Peterborough, reportedly, are asking £750,000 for Grant, who's 27, didn't have a good season last time out and isn't particularly what we need so I think you can forget about that one too.

More plausible Lincoln connections are Connor McGrandles, a 26 y/o CM who's out of contract, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a 18 y/o RB on loan from Arsenal and Lewis Fiorini, a 20 y/o CM on loan from City.

Of the three, McGrandles seems similar to the club's existing midfield options, but is free so might be worth a look, Norton-Cuffy is very young, but RB is an area where the club has to strengthen, so might be possible, Fiorini is one that might be worth getting excited about but I imagine there will be other clubs interested as well, whether the Appleton connection is enough to swing it is unknown.
 
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Rogers was on loan at Bournemouth last season, so I doubt that City would be willing to send him here, Peterborough, reportedly, are asking £750,000 for Grant, who's 27, didn't have a good season last time out and isn't particularly what we need so I think you can forget about that one too.

More plausible Lincoln connections are Connor McGrandles, a 26 y/o CM who's out of contract, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a 18 y/o RB on loan from Arsenal and Lewis Fiorini, a 20 y/o on loan from City.

Of the three, McGrandles seems similar to the club's existing midfield options, but is free so might be worth a look, Norton-Cuffy is very young, but RB is an area where the club has to strengthen, so might be possible, Fiorini is one that might be worth getting excited about but I imagine there will be other clubs interested as well, whether the Appleton connection is enough to swing it is unknown.
It was widely reported that we had Rogers lined up as a loan signing in Jan to replace Bowler if he was sold, so I wouldn’t write this one off.
I know it was only one game but I thought McGrandles was awful in the play off final. If this is the sort of player we’re after I’d be seriously worried.
 
Rogers was on loan at Bournemouth last season, so I doubt that City would be willing to send him here, Peterborough, reportedly, are asking £750,000 for Grant, who's 27, didn't have a good season last time out and isn't particularly what we need so I think you can forget about that one too.

More plausible Lincoln connections are Connor McGrandles, a 26 y/o CM who's out of contract, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a 18 y/o RB on loan from Arsenal and Lewis Fiorini, a 20 y/o on loan from City.

Of the three, McGrandles seems similar to the club's existing midfield options, but is free so might be worth a look, Norton-Cuffy is very young, but RB is an area where the club has to strengthen, so might be possible, Fiorini is one that might be worth getting excited about but I imagine there will be other clubs interested as well, whether the Appleton connection is enough to swing it is unknown.
Wouldn't disagree with that. McGrandles is a good age and we had 8njury problems in that area last season but I don't know how good he is.

Any other vaguely possibles from Appleton's Lincoln period? Scully (23), Eyoma (22), Montsma (24) maybe? I think Montsma had a less effective season last season. They are all young and improving surely.

Edit. Apparently Montsma suffered an ACL injury in January and hasn't played since.
 
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Wouldn't disagree with that. McGrandles is a good age and we had 8njury problems in that area last season but I don't know how good he is.

Any other vaguely possibles from Appleton's Lincoln period? Scully (23), Eyoma (22), Montsma (24) maybe? I think Montsma had a less effective season last season. They are all young and improving surely.

McGrandles has played 95 games for Lincoln over the last two years, so they obviously rate him, is he what the club needs is a different question.

The others you mention are all under contract, which means fees, so unless the club has already identified them as targets I don't think they're likely.
 
McGrandles has played 95 games for Lincoln over the last two years, so they obviously rate him, is he what the club needs is a different question.

The others you mention are all under contract, which means fees, so unless the club has already identified them as targets I don't think they're likely.
Are fees out of the question? I doubt it, especially if we get decent money for Bowler.
 
We were better than Lincoln in L1, barring Rogers and Johnson, we need better if we are to kick on. Let's hope our scouting team have some good names lined up and Appleton can convince a few young Prem stars to head to the seaside as part of their development.
 
Lincoln fans rate Mcgrandles from what I’ve read. I also posted elsewhere that they thought Appleton very likely to go back for Norton Cuffy (Stirling replacement maybe) and Fiorini, who they say was outstanding when allowed to play further forward but not as good when made to play holding role, so you could see how that might fit…
 
Are fees out of the question? I doubt it, especially if we get decent money for Bowler.

I'm sure there'll be some funds available for transfer fees, I just don't think the club will want to spend them on these players just because the manager says so.

On the specifics, Montsma is a CB, we've got plenty of them already, Eyoma seems to be more of a defensive RB who can also play CB and didn't feature that much for Lincoln last year either, I think there are better options out there, including the one they loaned from Arsenal.

Of the three Scully seems attractive as a replacement for Bowler, but I suspect they're going to want some serious money for him, so maybe, or maybe not.
 
I'm sure there'll be some funds available for transfer fees, I just don't think the club will want to spend them on these players just because the manager says so.

On the specifics, Montsma is a CB, we've got plenty of them already, Eyoma seems to be more of a defensive RB who can also play CB and didn't feature that much for Lincoln last year either, I think there are better options out there, including the one they loaned from Arsenal.

Of the three Scully seems attractive as a replacement for Bowler, but I suspect they're going to want some serious money for him, so maybe, or maybe not.
We've got a few centre backs but Thorniley, Casey and Keogh all have question marks. A bit of a shuffle wouldn't be a surprise.

Fiorini sounds good. I bet MA would like to get him here.
 
We've got a few centre backs but Thorniley, Casey and Keogh all have question marks. A bit of a shuffle wouldn't be a surprise.

We were supposedly in advanced talks with Jerome Opuku, who's been released by Fulham, we have Tharme from Southport, Connolly and Husband can cover, so already potentially eight options at CB, if we need another then something really has gone wrong.

We were also linked with Jack Tucker from Gillingham, but I see he's now signed for MK.
 
Two names we have been linked too are Jerome Opoku 6'5'' left C/B & Luke Molynuex a Bowler type player
both 23yrs I wonder are these two still under consideration ?
 
We need some height/physicality in the team.

We need some creativity in midfield.

We need two new wide players.

Full-back- would like Gabriel to become the regular right back, but we’ll need cover and we’ll need another left-back even though we’ve got 3.

Probably need another striker even though we’ve got 4.

Think they’ll be a few ins and out.

Interesting to see how it works out.
 
We were supposedly in advanced talks with Jerome Opuku, who's been released by Fulham, we have Tharme from Southport, Connolly and Husband can cover, so already potentially eight options at CB, if we need another then something really has gone wrong.

We were also linked with Jack Tucker from Gillingham, but I see he's now signed for MK.
Yes we do seem to have collected quite a few CB options. But it's still Marv plus one. Can't see Tharme even getting in the squad, could be wrong. Connolly has yet to play CB other than a 3. Hubby is principally a LB. Keogh is knocking on and getting injured. Thorniley has a bit of a height shortage. Would be good to match up Marv with a LCB of similar stature, no?

How do you know this about Epoku?
 
Yes we do seem to have collected quite a few CB options. But it's still Marv plus one. Can't see Tharme even getting in the squad, could be wrong. Connolly has yet to play CB other than a 3. Hubby is principally a LB. Keogh is knocking on and getting injured. Thorniley has a bit of a height shortage. Would be good to match up Marv with a LCB of similar stature, no?

The problem is we've got 5, possibly 6 specialist CBs already, so we already need to move at least one, possibly two out on loan or sold, so getting another one in seems excessive, and we don't need extra cover in the position thanks to Connolly/Husband.

I think if we were looking for another CB, we'd have gone for Tucker from Gillingham.


How do you know this about Epoku?

It was on the original transfer thread here: https://avftt.co.uk/index.php?threads/summer-transfer-rumours-thread.31537/post-747350, just after Critchley quit.

If the rumour is true, then it may have been held up by the manager situation, I can't see any reports of him signing elsewhere, so presumably still on.
 
The problem is we've got 5, possibly 6 specialist CBs already, so we already need to move at least one, possibly two out on loan or sold, so getting another one in seems excessive, and we don't need extra cover in the position thanks to Connolly/Husband.

I think if we were looking for another CB, we'd have gone for Tucker from Gillingham.




It was on the original transfer thread here: https://avftt.co.uk/index.php?threads/summer-transfer-rumours-thread.31537/post-747350, just after Critchley quit.

If the rumour is true, then it may have been held up by the manager situation, I can't see any reports of him signing elsewhere, so presumably still on.
I just think Marv needs a strong partner and I don't see one who is quite there yet. Tharme and Casey may go out on loan. Thorniley may or may no stay. Keogh seems unlikely to be a regular starter.

Bit of a turn up that Clappers is the ITK person on Opuku! First time for everything.
 
We need some height/physicality in the team.

We need some creativity in midfield.

We need two new wide players.

Full-back- would like Gabriel to become the regular right back, but we’ll need cover and we’ll need another left-back even though we’ve got 3.

Probably need another striker even though we’ve got 4.

Think they’ll be a few ins and out.

Interesting to see how it works out.
This is closest to how I feel...we defo need a mobile left back/wing back to balance up Gabriel and make us a very mobile unit. The current left backs of James, Garbutt and Husband do not inspire much confidence and we need an upgrade. We may also need a cover player for right back although Connolly can be emergency cover. We need a lot of games from Gabriel this year and he is a key player.

We have a plethora of centre backs but realistically how many of them are good enough to play 90 mins week in week out in the Championship. Thorniley certainly is not and was at fault for a lot of goals last season despite playing ok at times. Casey has a long way to go to step up, Husband is cover at best (at centre half) so that leaves Keogh who was excellent but injury prone and not getting any younger and Marv who will play every week (if he is still here). You simply cannot include Tharme yet as he is totally unproven at this level. I would consider Connolly who has already been touted as a top quality centre back earlier in his career and who was quoted as saying it was his best position. In summary we only really have Marv (who could still get snapped up) Keogh who will need cover and Conolly with Casey as a needs must option.

The midfield is crying out for creativity and that has to be the priority. Dougall and Stewart are decent options if they stay fit though Dougall needs to improve on some of his performances after long flights. Connolly is a stop gap option only in my opinion and at times last season we played effectively with 7 at the back. (five at the back and two very deep holding midfielders). I hope Sonny Carey can make the step up as he is potentially our most valuable player and could really shine. We have to assume we will lose at least one of Keshi or Bowler and maybe both. Couple that with Kirk now gone and we are short in the creativity department. Maybe Dale can step up but he is a little lightweight.

Hopefully Yates and Lavery can get a chance to play together and run the channels rather than it be the Gary Madine show. Madine is an option but should be plan B or maybe even plan C. Beesley must improve markedly to feature and I think we need a more mobile version of Madine to win headers and do the dirty work.

Thats a lot of recruitment to get up to speed and thats without factoring in some players who may leave unexpectedly. Its a big job and lets hope Appleton and the board have the appetite to react to the massive challenge.
 
Eyoma (Spurs?) is the one I would be looking at. Wasnt aware he was a natural RB but from the bits and pieces I saw of him playing at CB he looked a real talent.
 
Eyoma (Spurs?) is the one I would be looking at. Wasnt aware he was a natural RB but from the bits and pieces I saw of him playing at CB he looked a real talent.

Moved to Lincoln permanently last August, so there would be a fee involved, and I'm not sure that he's what we need at RB.
 
Yes we do seem to have collected quite a few CB options. But it's still Marv plus one. Can't see Tharme even getting in the squad, could be wrong. Connolly has yet to play CB other than a 3. Hubby is principally a LB. Keogh is knocking on and getting injured. Thorniley has a bit of a height shortage. Would be good to match up Marv with a LCB of similar stature, no?

How do you know this about Epoku?
It reads like you don't consider Casey to be a prospect. I certainly do and, should we lose Marv, I'd give him the right-CB berth and say, it's yours to lose.
 
From his interview with lancs live regarding recruitment, he said every game in the championship is like going to war. I guess you can see the type of players he’ll be looking for. Hope we don’t become dirty Blackpool. The towns got that reputation already in sone eyes.
 
Moot point and nothing to do with what transfer funds we have available, do you think NC was free!
Turns out he WAS free! 🤠

We got more compo than we paid him.

Sadler just seems to be doing a holding job on costs while he tries to find the 30m+ for the building work. So he may well shuffle the compo into the manager wage fund. But what the hell do I know?
 
We're probably doing Appleton and the clubs scouts a disservice by thinking they're only going to be looking at former Lincoln players to strengthen.

Although there was that Crewe link under Critchley, so.....

Right back, centre midfield and a replacement for Bowler, should he leave, are needed; although if we're looking to build on last year you could say there are very few positions that we don't need to improve.
 
We're probably doing Appleton and the clubs scouts a disservice by thinking they're only going to be looking at former Lincoln players to strengthen.

Although there was that Crewe link under Critchley, so.....

Right back, centre midfield and a replacement for Bowler, should he leave, are needed; although if we're looking to build on last year you could say there are very few positions that we don't need to improve.
Appleton gets players from all over. Just looking at what he had at Lincoln because we know who they are.
 
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It reads like you don't consider Casey to be a prospect. I certainly do and, should we lose Marv, I'd give him the right-CB berth and say, it's yours to lose.
I wouldn't;t write Thorniley off either, I think he is a really good central defender and he will likely be happy Appleton has come in as manager as he will get a fresh chance now.

For me, we have enough centre halves, my only worry is a EPL side come in for Marv, then we would have to get someone else in. If we did lose him however, you'd like to think it would be for a few million. Personally I'd rather we kept him and built the defence around him, Grimshaw and Gabriel. We certainly need a left back in the style of Gabriel, I can't see James being here this season.

We need a couple of wingers, if Bowler and Anderson are sold. Dale isn't up to it so I would sell or off him on loan to league I still think CJ will come good, I hope he will so we need to strengthen there.

We need a couple of new central midfielders that are creative and can score some goals as well as assists. We have Carey, Kenny and Stewart which is actually a really good central 3. I have high hopes for Carey, shame he got injured, he is an exciting player and I hope he is a regular this season. I'm and it's a big if, we could keep Stewart fit all season then he will play. but we need 2 more for that area without doubt.

Up front a swoop for Simms would be amazing, we know he works brilliantly with Jerry and they would be a formidable partnership together.
 
If we get £3m for Bowler, with the £1.2m for Critchley we should have funds to do some decent business this summer. Creative mid is a must and 2 wide players as well.
Virtue could be the creative midfielder alongside Carey.I do not see him as a holding midfielder and we have enough of them.
People seem too ready to write him off but after a long injury he stepped up to the championship easily,whereas Robson who had played regularly in L1 was clearly out of his depth
 
We’ve lost the impressive Sterling (don’t know if there’s any chance we can get him back??)). If we lose Marv we will be in deep trouble imo
 
Scully (not Coliin Methven!) has always played well when I have seen him play. Has some attacking quality.

We do need a right back and without Bowler we need some wide players to do some damage and a striker with a goal threat.
 
From his interview with lancs live regarding recruitment, he said every game in the championship is like going to war. I guess you can see the type of players he’ll be looking for. Hope we don’t become dirty Blackpool. The towns got that reputation already in sone eyes.
Maybe not dirty Blackpool, but we certainly need some with a bit of aggression, we have enough lightweights as it is.
 
Maybe not dirty Blackpool, but we certainly need some with a bit of aggression, we have enough lightweights as it is.
Not sure about that tbh. Marv, Keogh, Connolly, Husband, Sterling last season, Dougall, Stewart. Keshi no lightweight. Madine. Jerry. All well capable of handling themselves.
 
Virtue could be the creative midfielder alongside Carey.I do not see him as a holding midfielder and we have enough of them.
People seem too ready to write him off but after a long injury he stepped up to the championship easily,whereas Robson who had played regularly in L1 was clearly out of his depth
I honestly forgot about Virtue and he could be that player, however he's injured that much that much that can we rely on him? He's kind of like Stewart in that he's a really good player, but not reliable. I hope that Carey has a break out season this year, I really like what I've seen of him so far.
 
Not sure about that tbh. Marv, Keogh, Connolly, Husband, Sterling last season, Dougall, Stewart. Keshi no lightweight. Madine. Jerry. All well capable of handling themselves.
I was talking more about forward players. The first 5 are all defenders, Dougall gets a nosebleed if he goes higher than halfway, Stewart plays 1/4 of the season, Anderson when good is good the rest of the time a passenger. Madine and Jerry put themselves about.👍
 
I was talking more about forward players. The first 5 are all defenders, Dougall gets a nosebleed if he goes higher than halfway, Stewart plays 1/4 of the season, Anderson when good is good the rest of the time a passenger. Madine and Jerry put themselves about.👍
Not sure who you ARE talking about tbh. I can only think of Reece James.

Dougall had instructions and carried them out. It worked.
 
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