Lincoln City will have to name a 25-man squad early in September, and that gives us an insight into what the next couple of weeks might hold.
Championship clubs must submit their squad lists to the EFL within 24 hours of each transfer window closing. The summer window for the 2026/27 season closes at 11 pm on Tuesday, September 1, meaning clubs must provide their lists by 11 pm on Wednesday, September 2.
Each club can register no more than 25 players, at least eight of whom must qualify as homegrown. Under-21 players do not count towards that limit, although under-21 players signed on loan must be included, meaning Mason Melia and Yunus Konak count. This allows clubs to use younger permanent players without occupying one of the 25 available places.
The submitted list determines which senior outfield players are eligible to appear in Championship matches until the registration period reopens. The winter transfer window runs from Friday, January 1 until 11 pm on Monday, February 1, 2027, after which clubs can submit revised squads for the remainder of the season. Any senior player left off the relevant list cannot play in league matches during that registration period.
So, where does that leave Lincoln City? I would imagine that the 25 will (currently) be as follows.
George Wickens (1), Tendayi Darikwa (2), Adam Reach (3), Andrei Coubiș (4), Adam Jackson (5), Ryley Towler (6), Reeco Hackett (7), Tom Bayliss (8), Mikkel Ladefoged (9), Mason Melia (10), Conor McGrandles (11), Sonny Bradley (12), Dom Jefferies (13), Rob Street (14), Ben House (15), Tanto Olaofe (16), Callum Elder (17), Tom Hamer (18), Josh Honohan (19), Ivan Varfolomeev (20), Deji Elerewe (21), Yunus Konak (22), Ethan Wheatley (23), Freddie Draper (24), Joe Gauci (25).
That list omits Jamie Pardington, who you’d imagine could go on loan, and it doesn’t feature James Collins, who is unlikely to be fit before Christmas. It does feature Mikkel Ladefoged, who we are widely expected to sign, but that leaves a problem – no more squad spaces.
It has been suggested we might see Adam Jackson leave the club, but that space could be filled with Pardington if we were registering him. Basically, it’s tighter than your jeans on Boxing Day, and with such a small amount of wiggle room, there will have to be an out if there is going to be an in.
There is an issue, because as far as I can see, we’re not going to be looking to move anyone on. Unless a massive bid comes in for a player, I think you’re looking at the 25 players set to represent Lincoln City over the next couple of months, with literally the only question being posed coming around two players.
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