Speculation around the future of talented forward Adam Marriott has ended today as he’s confirmed he’s left Lincoln City.
It had been thought the popular striker was on his way when he failed to turn up to training just under two weeks ago. Danny said he believed Marriott had left, but until he heard otherwise he would ‘never say never’.
Marriott turned out for Godmanchester Rovers this week, close to his native Cambridge, and in a statement released tonight he confirmed he has left the club. The statement read:
“After thinking long and hard about what’s vest for my future, I’ve decided to leave Lincoln City. I’d like to thank all the staff, my team mates and fans for the unforgettable season last year and the memories we all made. I wish the club all the best for the upcoming season. Looking forward to seeing what’s next for me.”
Many Imps fans will be disappointed at losing Marriott, we only saw glimpses of the sublime ability he possessed last season. After a promising start he injured his shoulder, and the spell out meant he was always playing catch up with the rest of the squad. After that early injury Danny seemed to hold his player back, with Marriott coming on for cameo roles only.
Over Christmas he came on to fire City to victory against Tranmere, a couple of days later he came on with us losing 1-0 to Guiseley and immediately won the penalty that turned the game. Nobody will ever forget what he did next, the sumptuous pass for Nathan Arnold that beat Ipswich 1-0 in the FA Cup third round replay.
He still found it hard to break into the side, and when he did start he often struggled to make the same impact he had from the bench. He always showed glimpses of his unbelievable quality, and he created one of the enduring images towards the end of the season. His shot created the rebound for Harry Anderson to equalise late into the match with Torquay, and moments later he was fouled for the free kick which led to Sam Habergham’s goal.
One thing Marriott did lack was natural pace, and perhaps that has been on his mind since our promotion. In terms of ability I would say he was probably the most technically gifted player we had last season, a Jamie Forrester-style figure who had a penchant for the special passes and out-of-the-ordinary finishes. Unfortunately he couldn’t force his way into the starting eleven, despite us crying out for a player of his ilk when Theo Robinson left.
Adam Marriott is one of my favourite players from last year, he’s the sort of forward I admire, tenacious and tricky with a keen eye for goal. I suspect the injuries he’s sustained in the past have cost him a yard or two of pace, and doubtless he didn’t fancy another season warming the bench and coming on for a few minutes. I believe ten minutes of Adam Marriott at the end of a game has more potential than sixty-five minutes as a starter though, somehow he had a knack of exposing tired legs with a pass or his own movement than he did when the opposition were fresh.
I personally would like to thank Adam for the broken wrist sustained celebrating his winner against Tranmere. Every minute of pain and agony was worth it for that sweet moment when McNulty sunk to his knees knowing that goal would win us the game. Memories like that, you can’t buy.
I also had to chuckle when I had my picture taken with him on the pitch after the Macclesfield game. I approached him as he was signing an autograph and I remarked ‘don’t run away Adam, I’d like a picture in a minute,’ to which he replied quick as a flash ‘it’s not as if I’d get away from you with my pace’ and laughed. Witty as well as talented, if only he could still outpace a fat 38-year old man in a flat cap, eh?
I don’t think today’s news is a surprise to most Imps fans, but it is a sad day nonetheless. He joins Jack Muldoon, Alan Power and Terry Hawkridge in exiting the club with fans best wishes, and I think in all four instances those players would have been on the fringes on the fringe this season. All four have made the right decision for them, and obviously we wish them all the best.
What price on Marriott turning up somewhere like Billericay or Dover next season?
Good Luck Adam, I am sure I am not alone in feeling quite sad that you have decided to leave and in wishing you all the best for the future.