Michael Skubala appears to have scotched rumours of a striker exit following Bailey Cadamarteri’s arrival from Sheffield Wednesday.
Many pundits, including myself, believed that with Bailey coming in, one might head out on loan as it left us looking heavy up top. With five fit strikers and Tyler Walker to return, we could have as many as three for each position come Halloween, but as our head coach has confirmed, that isn’t something that worries him.
Given last summer, when we exited the transfer window with one fit striker (Jovon) and three injured (Ben, Tyler and Jack Vale), we’re in a great position, and that’s why he shot down rumours of an exit.
“No plan to change anything,” he said, when quizzed on whether there might be an exit. “We like the options we have up front; they’re all different. We ask a lot of our strikers, and with games coming thick and fast, we’ll need everyone.
“Adding to the unit strengthens it, and we think Bailey will contribute to the group with his physicality, pace, and ability to score goals. We’re really happy with what we’ve done.”
One bit of business rumoured is Freddie Draper heading back out on loan, possibly to the Codheads. Freddie was prolific for Walsall last season, and bagged a couple for us late on, but hasn’t started a league game this season. Michael stressed that the depth is important, hence players not expected to leave.
“We’re playing two up top for most games, so we need two strikers. They work hard, making it difficult for them to play three games a week. We needed to ensure we have depth in that area, which I think we now have.”
With it being deadline day, there’s plenty of talk of movement in, but unless something pops up, it does seem like ti will be a quiet day for Imps’ fans. Not great if you’re planning a four-hour Deadline Day special, but good for the nerves, nonetheless.
“I think we’re done,” confirmed Michael, who takes his Imps side to Stevenage tomorrow, the team he made his debut in the dugout against. “I’m happy with the group and the strength in depth. If something pops up that provides cover in certain areas, we might consider it, but if we don’t do anything else, I’m still really pleased.
In all instances, I’m happy with where we are, but you never know if the right opportunity arises late in the window. We might add to the squad, but for now, I’m content.”
That just leaves loans out, with a keeper expected to make a temporary switch, but even that isn’t certain. It certainly feels like ‘depth’ is the keyword this transfer window, because when asked about loans out, he gave a similar response to the other questions.
“No major changes expected. Maybe one player might go out, but overall, I’m very happy with the squad. After the international break, we’ll be playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, so the strength in depth will be crucial.
“I’m really pleased with the competitiveness of the group, and it’s great that they’ll be fighting for places.”
It has been a good summer for the Imps in terms of depth, and an injury in almost any area of the pitch right now could be covered. Last season, we lost three strikers – if that happened now, we’d still have three to pick from. We lost two cnetral midfielders, one of whom is still injured, but if it happened now, we’d have cover.
It feels like an almost complete squad (some wing-back cover might be nice, but it would only be cover) and that’s certainly the message Michael Skubala is putting out as we edge towards the closure of another transfer window.
Be sure to join us on YouTube from 7 pm this evening, where we’ll be talking all things Imps and transfers, as well as keeping an eye on the big moves across our division.
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