Former Lincoln City Midfielder In National League Talks

Former Lincoln City midfielder Sam Clucas is in talks over a move to National League side Worthing.

Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that the Rebels are discussing a free transfer for the 36-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Shrewsbury Town in August. A deal would take Clucas back into non-league football, having previously played for Oldham Athletic before his second spell with the Imps.

Worthing are competing in the National League for the first time after winning the National League South title last season. Clucas would bring Premier League and extensive EFL experience to a club adjusting to life in the fifth tier, although the report concerns talks rather than a completed signing.

His availability follows the early termination of his Shrewsbury contract, which had been due to run until next summer. Clucas joined Salop from City in 2025 on a two-year agreement, but departed by mutual consent after being told he was outside the plans for the new campaign.

That exit came despite a busy first season in Shropshire, during which he made 40 appearances across all competitions. He scored twice and finished as the club’s leading assist provider with five, although a hamstring injury disrupted the latter stages of his campaign.

The midfielder had initially been a regular following his departure from Sincil Bank, starting Shrewsbury’s opening 30 league matches. His decision to move there followed an offer to remain with the Imps in a player-coach role, with Clucas instead choosing to concentrate on playing.

His return to his hometown club in January 2025 had produced eight league appearances and one goal, scored in our victory at Mansfield Town. It was his second spell with City, having first joined in 2009 before leaving the following summer.

Between those two stints, Clucas built a career which took him through Jerez Industrial, Hereford United, Mansfield and Chesterfield before reaching the Premier League with Hull City. He subsequently played for Swansea City, Stoke City and Rotherham United, with his brief stay at Oldham preceding the return to Lincoln.

Now, more than two months after his Shrewsbury departure, Worthing have emerged as a possible next destination. With Clucas available as a free agent, the talks offer a route back into football for a player who opted to extend his playing career when his time with the Imps ended.