Derby County are among a number of Championship clubs considering a January move for former Imps forward Jack Diamond, as reported by Football League World.
Now at Stockport County, Diamond has had a hugely impressive season, and he could be set to follow in the footsteps of Joe Ward in having a loan spell at Lincoln, before a later move to the Rams.
John Eustace’s side currently sit 12th in the Championship after 21 matches, having secured survival on the final day last season, and are assessing options that could add greater creativity and consistency in the second half of the campaign. Diamond is understood to be one of several players being monitored as Derby weigh up potential additions.
Football League World reports that the Rams are not alone, with a number of second-tier clubs tracking Diamond as Stockport push for promotion under Dave Challinor. The 25-year-old is into the final 18 months of his contract and has impressed again at Edgeley Park following last season’s play-off run.
Jack Diamond at Lincoln City
Diamond will be well known to Imps supporters for his spell at Sincil Bank during the 2022-23 season. Operating mainly from wide areas, he registered six goals and four assists in 31 League One appearances, combining end product with direct running and ball-carrying threat.
That threat petered off as he faced his day in court, a charge swiftly dispelled, allowing him to get on with his life. However, the issues derailed his Lincoln career, and saw him later spend time at Carlisle on loan.
After leaving Sunderland at the end of his contract, Diamond joined Stockport following their promotion and made an immediate impact. He contributed five goals and five assists in all competitions last season as the Hatters reached the play-offs, before kicking on again this term.
Stockport are currently one of our promotion rivals, sitting sixth, five points off the automatic promotion places, with Diamond playing a key role. He has three goals and four assists from 19 league outings, and is expected to play a key role when we visit on Boxing Day.
Derby interest makes sense
Derby’s interest appears logical. Eustace’s side draw much of their creativity from wide areas, but with limited natural options centrally, Diamond’s ability to carry the ball, commit defenders and operate between the lines could offer a different dimension if a deal were pursued.
For Lincoln City supporters, it is another reminder of the potential Diamond showed during his time in red and white. I was highly critical of him up to his leaving, but the context of his off-field troubles does alter his legacy somewhat.
In the early days of his time at the Bank, we certainly saw much of the potential he is now realising with the Hatters.
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