The Imps have been linked with a move for Southend United’s Ben Coker, as reported by the Echo News.
Coker is well known in the south-east, having spent much of his career on what might be termed as the Cowley’s ‘patch’. He began his career with Histon, moved to Colchester but went to both Chelmsford and Histon on loan.
Eventually, he moved to Southend and his experience at Roots Hall is doubtless what the manager is interested in. He’s had six seasons there, four of which have been in League One which is exactly the sort of thing Danny will be looking for.
He had a tough season just gone, injuries restricted his appearances to a handful, but he’s certainly got quality on the ball and plenty that could be of use to the squad.
Coker is a left-sided player, usually either at left back or on the left side of midfield. He has 207 outings to his name at Southend, the last of which came in October after he suffered cruciate ligament damage.
In 2014/15 he made the PFA Team of the Year with Southend, as well as earning promotion from League Two via the play-offs. He’s a player who has stepped up a level before and settled, which might be the reason we’re showing some interest if we are.
It’s an interesting link and, if it’s accurate, it does pose more questions than it answers. The retained list isn’t out as yet, but if we were planning on keeping Sam Habergham then this wouldn’t see a wise move; Danny isn’t going to want three left backs at the club.
Could it mean that there’s interest in Harry Toffolo? That wouldn’t be unusual, Toff has been a hero this season and the only ever-present player in the squad.
It could be that the Echo News has got their reporting way off; they might be getting their stories from the same source the BBC get theirs regarding the West Brom job….
It’s not the first time I’ve looked at Coker, he was out of contract last season and I identified him as a possible target then. I tell you, DC reads this blog!
If there are any further developments from reputable sources, we’ll be the first (or maybe the fifth or sixth) to let you know.
Remember; we only report from respected news outlets and journalists, nothing will creep on here from some chump pretending to be a kit man, agent or whatever who is ‘in the know’. How could a kit man from Colchester possible know about moves being made by clubs like Lincoln? Seriously…. Twitter has a lot to answer for.