Lincoln City saw two new arrivals on deadline day: Daniel Oyegoke from Verona and Chiedozie Ogbene. However, fans might have to be patient to see them in action.
Speaking ahead of Southampton’s visit to Sincil Bank this weekend, head coach Chris Cohen explained that while there is a clamour to see new signings such as these, as well as Andrei Coubis, Yunus Konak and Mikkel Ladefoged, there is a duty of care to the players to ensure their introduction is managed properly
“I’m not on social media, so don’t see it, but I’m sure fans are super excited to see all these new players all the time,” said Chris.
“But as I’ve mentioned a few times already, it’s just so important that me and Tom, alongside the physical and the medical staff, make sure that we give these players the best chance when they do come on the pitch. So, that’ll be different for each and every one of them.
“Some have played lots of minutes in pre-season, some have played less, some have had little knocks and injuries, some haven’t trained, some have trained. So, it’s just making sure that we do what’s right for the individual whilst always looking at the bigger picture of what’s right for the team.”
With that in mind, Chris still outlined exactly what fans can expect from both, starting with Oyegoke. He has most recently been in Italy, playing 20 times in Serie A against the likes of Luka Modric and Christian Pulisic. Before that, the right-back had a spell with Hearts and had turned down a new deal at Arsenal to join Brentford.
“We obviously have players that can play there and do really well there, but specialist right-back, we probably haven’t got anyone that’s been their position that they’ve played throughout the course of their career.
“So, bringing Daniel in is obviously a really important signing for us. Really good pedigree, playing at a top level last year, and a really impressive young man. Someone that we know that we can develop as well and help him to grow as a player and a person.
“So yeah, really excited to see what that brings.”
One player who does have pedigree is Chiedozie Ogbene, a former Luton Town striker who scored against Liverpool during their Premier League campaign, and who cost Ipswich £8m in 2024. He will fit the Lincoln City way, but bring that little bit of quality as well.
“(We’re) always looking different ways to hurt opponents. We know the way that we play. We know that teams will come aggressively against us.
“Even in the four games so far and the cup games, teams have left quite a lot of space in behind that we try to exploit, whether that’s from direct play or on transition.
“Chieo will bring a wealth of experience. He’s a really good footballer as well. It’s not just the physicality that he brings, but a wealth of experience and some attributes that’ll help the squad.”
Ogbene and Oyegoke might be the new faces we haven’t yet seen, but all of the recruits will be itching to be involved. Chris and Tom now have to manage their expectations against those of the rest of the squad, but surely, we’ll see some of these players sooner rather than later.
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