Matt Rhead pens a new deal – thoughts and reaction

April 24, 2019 Gary Activity, Headlines, League Two, Lincoln City, News, Transfers 5

He might be 34, he might be appearing with less frequency, but the big man is still a huge part of the squad, physically and in terms of his personality.

He’s been with us since it started, seeing the green shoots of recovery under Chris Moyses, followed by Clive’s arrival and then that of Danny and Nicky. We nearly lost him that first summer but a deal was struck and he’s not looked back.

When he first broke into professional football at the age of 27, he surely can’t have imagined by the time he was 34 he’d have three trophies, a Wembley appearance and be a League One footballer. Well, now he is.

Courtesy Graham Burrell

“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract. The club is moving in the right direction, and I’m over the moon to be here,” he told the club’s official website.

“I have loved every minute here, from day one, it’s been a rollercoaster journey, but to get the contract signed and be here for another year is unbelievable.”

I wrote a piece for Football League World earlier today outlining why I feel he’ll be as proud as anyone at the club with the recent League Two title confirmation. He’s become part of the furniture at Sincil Bank, but his presence next season is going to be important.

The supporters like Matt Rhead. Sure, he’s less effective over 90 minutes now than he was against Eastleigh and Woking, but he still has a role to play. I thought John Akinde had his best game in a long while this weekend and it’s no coincidence that comes when he’s running off the big man. 

Anyone who thinks League One is a step too far only needs look at Akinfenwa at Wycombe. he’s been a part of their League One campaign, as Rheady will be ours. We won’t rely on him, but if we need the ball to stick up top in the last ten minutes, he’s going to be the ‘go to’ guy. When we have an EFL Cup game, or need an impact sub and a last roll of the dice, he’s the man they’ll call from the bench.

Besides, he’s a likeable character. he’s down to earth and understands football supporters. He’s been one of us, he’s sat in the stands watching Stoke knowing exactly what he wants to see from his heroes. When he’s out on the pitch, he gives his all.

Without sugar-coating things too much, he will be on the periphery. If you want to challenge in the top half of League One, you need strikers who will deliver more mobility than Matt Rhead. That, sadly, is fact. However, his attributes far outweigh the reasons to let him go and again, this is a wise move by Danny and the club.

Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a sentimental decision either. Danny doesn’t do sentiment, whatever this may look like. Remember Terry Hawkridge? Alan Power? Sean Long? No, Danny isn’t a man to hand out a contract unless there’s a viable gain. Every single action is done with a gain in mind, be it on the field, in the dressing room or psychologically. Matt Rhead hasn’t been given a deal because of what he’s done for the club, he’s been given one on the basis that he can still do more.

Personally, I like Rheady. He’s a great guy to interview, down to earth, dry and witty but also honest and open. he’s a throwback to another era, when players and fans were alike. He’ll tell it like it is, politely of course, and he offers up more in some interviews than many of our players. he’s less guarded and although there’s very few I struggle to connect with, he’s one player I love to see appear as my next programme interview.

50 goals, closing in on 200 appearances and now another year to add to that tally. Anyone claiming this man isn’t a Lincoln City legend is soon going to have to have a rethink.

Here’s how news of his new deal has been received on social media this evening.

 

5 Comments

  1. Don’t underestimate Matt Rhead’s mobility. So he may not be the quickest 100 yarder in the squad but his acute anticipation and reading of the game mean he can cover ground just as effectively as the younger, more fleet footed members. Matt is a leader and fully deserves his place as an elder statesman of the playing staff.

    • Couldn’t agree more. His positional awareness, hold-up play and distribution is excellent. While he is not the fastest I have seen he can still put in some pretty good sprints. I am sure most league one defenders would hate to be up against him.

    • Sorry we are moving up a league where we need better not ordinary players as much as I like Ready. Same applies to Rowe , Mccartin and Sam.

  2. Technically after Neal Eardley he is our best player and a match is more enjoyable when he is on the pitch, I look forward to a couple of summer signings that will be needed to do well in League One.

  3. Deserves it ,team player gets pulled fouled never moans never complains just gets on with it .got a great touch for a big man. Makes things happen his presence is legendary

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