Two former Lincoln City strikers have been released by their current clubs following the publication of retained lists ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Vadaine Oliver has departed National League side Hartlepool United, while Callum Morton has been released by National League South outfit Worthing after their historic first season reaching the top tier of non-league football.
Hartlepool confirmed Oliver’s exit as part of a sizeable clear-out at The Prestige Group Stadium, with former Imp Jay Benn among those staying after the club activated his contract extension. Other notable departures included former EFL players Gavan Holohan and Danny Johnson as Pools begin reshaping their squad.
Meanwhile, Morton was one of nine players released by Worthing after their memorable campaign. Director of Football Nathan Bowen paid tribute to those leaving, describing the season as “truly memorable and historic” for the Sussex side. Former Birhgton midfielder Jack Spong was among the more eye-catching names departing Woodside Road.
Vadaine Oliver
Oliver arrived at Sincil Bank in 2012 under David Holdsworth and initially found opportunities limited, with Colin Larkin, Rob Duffy and Luke Daley often ahead of him in the pecking order. However, the striker’s persistence quickly paid off once he broke into the side.
His first start brought a goal in a 1-1 draw against Telford, before he followed that with an 88th-minute winner against Hyde. Suddenly, City had a raw but powerful forward beginning to make a name for himself. Two late goals in the FA Cup victory at Walsall further raised his profile, and by the end of the campaign, he had struck 13 times in all competitions, including a hat-trick on the final day against Hyde.
There was little chance of City keeping hold of him once league clubs started circling. He moved to Crewe Alexandra and went on to carve out a lengthy EFL career with the likes of Morecambe, Northampton Town, Gillingham, Bradford City and Stevenage. His best spell arguably came at Gillingham, where he hit 20 goals in all competitions during the 2020/21 season and earned the League One Player of the Month award for March 2021.
Callum Morton
Callum Morton joined the Imps on loan from West Bromwich Albion in September 2020, arriving with a growing reputation after his play-off heroics for Northampton Town earlier that year. He looked an exciting addition to Michael Appleton’s squad and made an immediate impression in cup competition, scoring against Bradford City in the EFL Cup.
Unfortunately, a serious shoulder injury suffered early in his spell disrupted his momentum and kept him sidelined for much of the campaign. He returned in March 2021 and scored within minutes against Fleetwood Town, briefly reminding supporters of the sharp movement and direct running that had made him such a promising capture.
With Tom Hopper and Jorge Grant both sidelined for periods, City needed attacking contributions from Morton during the run-in, but after such a lengthy absence he struggled to fully rediscover rhythm and sharpness. He ended his Lincoln stint with three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions as City reached the League One play-off final.
Since leaving West Brom, Morton has had spells with Fleetwood Town, Salford City and Forest Green Rovers, while injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress.
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