Popular former Imps Michael O’Connor found himself released by Salford yesterday, with the overwhelming feeling being that the Imps should look to sign him back up for next season.
O’Connor, who was seen watching the Imps beat Burton Albion 3-2 in the last action we saw at Sincil Bank, initially joined us on loan towards the end of the 2008/09 season, before embarking on a career that saw him play for Rotherham, Scunthorpe and Port Vale. After an injury-hit spell with Notts County, he was back with the Imps for our title challenge last season.
Putting his injury woes behind him, he was a key figure as we lifted the League Two title. He kept his place in our first team, scoring on the opening day of the season and serving Michael Appleton’s side well during some tough months. As one of our senior professionals, his influence behind the scenes was important during the transition phase and there was some surprise when he moved to Salford City in January. However, with a transfer fee for us and what you’d imagine were improved wages for him, it was a move that suited all parties at the time.
With the current situation meaning budgets are being cut, a move outside of the local area is surely unlikely for Mickey now he’s a free agent. He’s settled locally with kids at school and news of his release did not pass Imps’ fans by on Twitter. Before his departure, he was a good shout for a possible Player of the Season and there’s a growing call for us to investigate bringing him back next season.
It would be an interesting move; wages are likely to be cut across the division, meaning a focus on developing young talent. A player like Mickey, who has had a rich and varied career, would be a great character to have around if we could afford him and if he remained injury-free he’d be a key part of a 16-man squad too. The biggest issue would be his recent injury record; he managed just eight games (and one goal) for Salford before damaging his ribs and effectively ending his season.
That doesn’t seem to be an issue for these supporters and I would certainly love to see the combative midfielder back in our side. It would be hard to deny we were a far better team with him and with no Joe Morrell or Liam Bridcutt next season, he’d be a superb acquisition.
@michaeloconnor8 see you at the Bank when the footy is back then! Mission accomplished ✅ 🔴⚪️🔴
— Craig Coe (@craigcoeyo) May 16, 2020
Micky O’Connor must be gutted….NOT
— Marcus Clayson (@MarcusClayson) May 16, 2020
Back to Lincoln then.
— Tony Gomez (@tony_kop77) May 16, 2020
@AndyPearson68 o Connor looks like a cracking deal for Lincoln now Salford released him get him signed back up
— Dec (@dpnattrass) May 16, 2020
Def sign him straight back mate ✍🏻
— Andy Pearson (@AndyPearson68) May 16, 2020
Yeah bring him back he was great last season
— Keith John Fletcher (@keithfletcher24) May 16, 2020
@LincolnCity_FC you know what we need
— Aaron Trevor (@Aaron_Trevor_) May 16, 2020
We all know O’Connor would be great for the Imps, but do you think Appleton would go for it bearing the player’s age in mind?
Let’s move on. MA didn’t want to keep him, so he’s unlikely to sign him back.
Try to sign Bridcutt?
I don’t think we’re going to be signing anyone for a good long period