Three Players I’d Bring Back To Sincil Bank Next Season

There’s always a temptation among fans to romanticise former players—especially loanees—who made a big impact.

Often, the suggestion that we should “get him back” feels knee-jerk, based on a good memory rather than reality. In truth, returning players rarely replicate their original success. But now and again, certain players do leave you thinking they’ve got more to offer and, crucially, could realistically return.

With that in mind, here are three players I would genuinely bring back to Lincoln City, either on loan or permanently—based on fit, personality, and what they could offer in the present day.

Joe Gardner – The Creative Spark We Crave

Let’s start with the obvious one: Joe Gardner. He’s the kind of player I usually wouldn’t rush to bring back—young, still developing, with all the usual ups and downs that come with that. But Gardner feels different. First off, it’s a realistic deal. He’s done well at Lincoln but not well enough to guarantee a Championship move next season. A League One loan feels like the most probable step, and we’re already reportedly interested.

More importantly, he fits the mould of what we need: a creative, unpredictable wide player who can inject flair and energy into a game. He’s got that “socks rolled down, mercurial talent” vibe—the kind of player who could dazzle one week and go quiet the next, but when he’s on it, he gets fans off their seats. Those are the players who keep crowds coming back.

In a 4-2-3-1 setup, Gardner could slot into the attacking three behind James Collins. His ability to drive at defenders, cut inside, and link play would offer the kind of attacking threat we’ve lacked at times. We’ve scored plenty of goals this season, but some fans still claim they’re not being entertained—perhaps because many goals have come from set-pieces rather than open-play flair. Gardner would bring that spark.

And beyond his talent, he’s got the right temperament. I met him before the Huddersfield game—not cocky or arrogant, just a genuinely shy, polite young lad. You want players like that around the club. Given his style, attitude, and availability, Gardner is exactly the kind of player we should be targeting.

Alex Mitchell – The Warrior We Might Soon Need

Next on the list is Alex Mitchell. Now, this one depends heavily on circumstances—mainly whether Charlton get promoted and what that means for his role there. As of late, he’s found himself out of their starting XI. If they do go up and he finds himself stuck on the bench again, a loan or even a permanent move to Lincoln might appeal.

Mitchell was quietly excellent during his time with us. He’s a bit of a hybrid—part ball-playing defender, part warrior—and that’s exactly what we’ll need if Paudie O’Connor moves on. While I don’t love those sorts of labels, Mitchell does tick both boxes: he’s strong in the air, composed on the ball, and has a good footballing head on his shoulders.

He’s also grounded. From everything I’ve heard and seen, he comes from a supportive, down-to-earth family. That matters. Culture is crucial in the dressing room, and Mitchell would only enhance that.

There’s some risk in how he would fit into a back four, having often played in a back three. But I think he has the adaptability. While there might be other centre-backs available with stronger stats or more experience, Mitchell has the intangible qualities that made him a fan favourite the first time—and would likely do so again.

Joe Morrell – The Heartbeat Midfielder

This one might raise eyebrows, but hear me out. Joe Morrell is a player who, during his time with us, felt like the heartbeat of the team. Tough in the tackle, full of energy, and unafraid to take a game by the scruff of the neck, Morrell is the sort of midfielder every League One side needs—particularly in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where the two holding players are crucial.

His career since leaving us has been a mixed bag. Injuries, disciplinary issues, and inconsistent form at Portsmouth have somewhat stalled his progress. But that grit and fire that made him so effective for Lincoln? It’s still there. If we’re moving on from Ethan Erhahon and looking for a midfield enforcer with a bit of bite, Morrell could be a very smart pickup—especially as a short-term leader for the younger players coming through.

Now, he doesn’t fit our usual recruitment profile anymore. At 28, he’s not someone you’ll sell on for big money. But sometimes it’s about more than resale value—it’s about what someone can do on the pitch, week in and week out. And in that regard, Morrell is exactly what we might need: a battler, a talker, a presence in midfield.

He reminds me of the link between eras—like a 2016-17 Alex Woodyard merging into a 2019-20 Joe Morrell, and perhaps now into a 2024-25 Ethan Erhahon replacement. His return would be a bit of a gamble, yes—but one I think could pay off.

Honourable Mention: Jack Burroughs

As an added thought, I’d also consider bringing Jack Burroughs back. While he might not walk into the starting XI, he offers invaluable versatility—able to cover both fullback positions in a four-man defence. He’s not a wing-back, not flashy, but solid, steady, and financially logical as a squad player. Especially if Sean Roughan moves on, a player like Burroughs could be an asset.

Final Thoughts

I’ve left out some obvious names—Joe Taylor, for instance—because while he was brilliant for a spell, I genuinely believe James Collins is a better fit for our current system. And as fun as it is to daydream about reuniting with every decent player who once wore the red and white, only a few truly make sense.

Gardner for flair. Mitchell for steel. Morrell for fire. If any of them returned to Sincil Bank next season, I’d be more than happy—and I reckon most of the fanbase would be too.