Lincoln City sporting director, Jez George, has been speaking about the current transfer window and what the club may or may not do.
One of the biggest points of discussion seems to be around whether the Imps need a striker. James Collins picked up a season-ending injury against Huddersfield in the EFL Trophy, and many speculated that we may look to cover him during the final few months of the season.
When asked about the striker situation, Jez first paid tribute to Collins, who was in electric form in the second half of last season, and who played a vital role in the early knockings this time out.
“Twelve months ago we really needed him,” said Jez. “He came into the building when we were struggling and made a massive contribution, not just with goals but with his professionalism and example. It’s a massive blow for James more than us. We think of him as a person first.
“He still has a huge role to play off the pitch. Now the roles are reversed. James needs us and we want to be the club that looks after its players. Our respect and commitment to James doesn’t diminish because he can’t play.”
That aside, City do need to have players on the pitch, and with Ben House currently injured, we have three solid options at centre forward: Freddie Draper, Justin Obikwu and Rob Street. It’s believed we turned down in the region of £1m for Street in the summer, not long after our first £1m player left the club.
It is Jovon Makama’s transfer to Norwich that Jez uses as an example of why the fans should back Freddie, our 21-year-old striker who has five goals this season, the same as Paul Mullin, who some Imps fans seem to think (inexplicably) we should be signing.
“We believe we have three really talented young strikers. Freddie might get unwarranted criticism. Twelve months ago Jovon was in a similar position. Now he’s scored nine Championship goals and was a record sale for the club. We have massive belief in Fred. He’s a 21-year-old homegrown player with unique attributes.”
Rob Street is also on five goals, one of those coming from the spot against Stockport on Boxing Day, but he’s grown into his role this season. He was close to my Man of the Match against Peterborough, and Jez explained how he is one we have high hopes for.
“Rob Street is one of the most selfless players I’ve come across. He’s effective, aggressive, quick, powerful, and when he gets a run as a number nine, he scores goals.”
Finally, we have Justin Obikwu on loan from Coventry City. He’s played fewer minutes than the other two and has scored three times, but offers something from the bench. Jez confirmed what some fans have said, that the forward is on a learning journey, but we see something in him.
“We’ve also got Justin Obikwu on loan. He’s electric, quick, and has learned a lot. We value those three and believe they can score goals for us in the second half of the season.”
It’s implied that we see these three as our rotating number nines, and that we won’t be directly replacing Collins.
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