Imps Linked With 34-Year-Old National League Midfielder

January 8, 2025 Gary Lincoln City, Rumours, Transfers 0

The Imps are reportedly interested in bringing experienced midfielder Sam Clucas back to Sincil Bank during the January transfer window.

The 34-year-old, currently with Oldham Athletic in the National League, could become available for free this month due to a contract clause. Of course, usually, a move for a player of his age and current level wouldn’t get pulses racing, but Clucas has unfinished business in LN5. In fact, his business here never really got started.

From Local Roots to Premier League Heights

Sam Clucas’s footballing journey is remarkable. Starting his career at Leicester City’s academy, the midfielder eventually found his way to Lincolnshire’s non-league scene with Nettleham before a short spell with the Imps. His time at Lincoln City was brief, given a debut just before Peter Jackson left, and later released by Chris Sutton.

A stint with Glenn Hoddle’s academy and a spell with Hereford saw him develop, and a standout year with Mansfield Town in 2013-14 earned him a move to Chesterfield. From there, his career skyrocketed. He played in the Premier League with Hull City during the 2016/17 season, earning a transfer to Swansea City shortly after. Clucas’s time in the Championship with Stoke City cemented his reputation as a hard-working, versatile midfielder, with over 200 appearances and 50 direct goal contributions in the division.

Now, having dropped to the National League with Oldham Athletic, Clucas remains a player capable of influencing games. Does his experience, coupled with his technical ability, make him an ideal target for Michael Skubala?

A Homecoming for the Imps?

Clucas would not only bring quality to Lincoln City’s midfield but could also provide an emotional boost. A return to his hometown club might ignite something special for both the player and the fans. There’s been a bit of a fracture recently between some sections of the support and the club, but could Clucas returning have a positive effect? Possibly. His local ties and knowledge of the area could make the Imps a natural fit, with supporters relishing the prospect of ‘one of their own’ pulling the strings in midfield, albeit 16 years late.

Sam Clucas on his inspirational career and why Lincoln City remain close to his heart - Lincolnshire Live

Will the Imps Win the Race?

With competition reportedly coming from other League One sides, including Charlton Athletic and Mansfield Town, Cty will need to make a compelling case to secure Clucas’s signature. That is if we’re interested at all – the report has come from Pete O’Rourke, who is usually decent, but with two other clubs linked, it does feel like the ‘rule of three’ is applicable here.

Do I think we’ll sign Sam Clucas? No, I do not. Unless Ethan Erhahon is on his way, and we’re looking for a short term fix in that position, with a dose of goodwill and emotional homecoming thrown in for good measure.