Waiting for Jordan?

I don’t think I’m covering anything new when I say that Jordan Maguire-Drew is currently training with the club. He’s been pictured on social media in an Imps kit, at the training ground with a ball at his feet, so it’s a pretty safe bet he’s with us for a reason.

At this stage we don’t know if he’s here on trial or with a view to a move, but he’s definitely here. I’m not going to speculate on why he is here just yet, but the fact he is could be very exciting for City fans.

19-year old Maguire Drew is better known to the Imps for his recent spell at Dagenham and Redbridge, his 15 goals helping fire them to the play-off semi-finals. He then scored in the first leg to earn the Daggers a 1-1 draw against Forest Green, just two months after his opener earned them a 2-1 win against the same opposition. He can play up front or out wide, but it’s likely he’s seen as a winger by Danny. We know our management team like wingers, and we currently only have Josh Ginnelly and Nathan Arnold. That number will definitely be boosted by two before the big kick off.

Maguire Drew was likened to Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie by Glen Southam, a man who trained both players. His reputation grew last season as he got his first taste of regular first team football. He has a self belief that he is technically as good as the Brighton first-team too, revealed in an interview with http://www.footballleaguescout.com

“I know I have the technical ability to compete with the first team but after training with them you realise how fit and strong they are and I am working hard to get to the same level. The coaches are really good and seeing the improvements gives me motivation. Thanks to the coaches my 20m sprint has gone from 3.1s to 2.8s and it is good to see that development in my explosive speed.”

Explosive speed, technical ability and a desire to reach a level of fitness that compliments his other talents. That sounds just like the sort of player that could thrive under Danny Cowley. That goal tally last season proves he also has a good end product, and whether he appeared from the bench or from the start, he would be frightening for League Two full backs.

In the same interview he revealed his passion for the beautiful game, and how he models himself on some of the real flair players of a generation.

“Football is the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about when I go to bed. I loved watching my favourite players growing up; Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and of course Ronaldo and Messi. I love watching players with flair, that create space and score goals and I try to make sure these attributes are part of my game.”

Maguire Drew is a really exciting prospect and a player who has the skill to get fans on their feet. He has a proven end product too, and he could be vying with Josh Ginnelly for a starting place if a loan deal can be worked out.

Of course, he might just have a grandmother in Lincoln and he’s just with us for fitness whilst on holiday. I doubt it, but in football you just never know.