Former Lincoln City Loanee Opens Talks For Surprise League Two Switch

Former Lincoln City man Joe Gardner has been linked with a surprise League Two switch, with Oldham Athletic reported to have opened talks with Nottingham Forest over a loan move for the forward.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of the 2024-25 season with City, making 11 league appearances and scoring once during his time at the Bank. That goal came in the 4-1 win against Crawley Town in March 2025, a night better remembered for the Imps finally finding some attacking fluency after a difficult spell in front of goal.

Gardner’s stay at Lincoln was brief, but not uneventful. He was sent off just minutes into his debut against Cambridge United, before gradually being introduced into Michael Skubala’s side as City looked for options in the final third. He returned to Forest at the end of the campaign, before heading back into League One with Mansfield Town last summer.

Oldham Target Loan Move

According to Football Insider, Oldham have now opened talks with Forest over a season-long loan deal, with Micky Mellon’s side looking to strengthen ahead of the 2026-27 League Two campaign.

The move would represent Gardner’s first spell in the fourth tier, having already sampled League One football with both Mansfield and us. His time with the Stags saw him score once in league action, with the forward starting just five times during a campaign in which the Stags were again trying to establish themselves at the higher level.

Oldham are reported to have identified Gardner as a key summer target as they look to push towards the top end of League Two. The Latics missed out on the play-offs last season after a poor run in April, but are expected to be among those with ambitions of challenging next term again.

For Forest, the next step is likely to be about regular football, after two spells bringing limited minutes. Gardner remains highly rated at the City Ground and has shown his ability at under-21 level, including a return of six goals and two assists in 12 Premier League 2 appearances before his Lincoln loan. However, senior minutes have been harder to come by, and a move to a club where he could play more regularly may suit all parties.