The Imps have announced the first signing of the summer, with Conor McGrandles returning for a third spell with the club.
The seasoned midfielder, who was a member of the 2021 League One Play-Off Final squad, spent the previous season on loan at the Imps from Charlton Athletic. After signing a two-year deal initially, he has committed to City once more.
After initially agreeing to a permanent contract in the summer of 2020, Conor made 91 appearances in competitive play over the course of two years. In 2021, you chose him as the Stacey West Player of the Season, beating out Brennan Johnson and Jorge Grant. The next season, he routinely accepted the captain’s armband while playing for the team.
He made his comeback last season on Deadline Day, putting in a few strong games until an injury cut short his tenure. He chose to rehab with us rather than go back to Charlton, and in recent weeks, he has been at the EPC regaining his fitness.
Conor said: “It’s brilliant to be back. I really enjoyed my time on loan last season so when the club showed interest in me this is what I wanted to do.
“There was a lot of faith shown in me when I got injured. The club offered to do all my rehab which shows the care for people here. I am really grateful for the way the fans took to me when I came back. I know how good the atmosphere is here and it’s something I’m really looking forward to experiencing throughout the season.”
City’s head coach Michael Skubala said: “Conor had a big effect on performances and results having signed on loan before his unfortunate injury curtailed his season.
“Just as important though was Conor’s impact off the pitch, setting standards in training and with his professionalism every day at the EPC. We feel Conor can make a big contribution moving forward within our young group and we are delighted to bring him back to the club on a permanent basis.”
Some people will use adjectives like unimpressive today, but not me. On Deadline Day, I felt he was an excellent signing, and I still believe that. He is a competent midfielder who enhances the quality of our present Ethan Erhahon and Ethan Hamilton combination. At the end of the season, he also informed us that he was expected to regain full fitness by the end of May. This meant he would be primed and ready to play in the opening game of the following season.
The fee is unknown, but if it has been paid, it is likely to have been minimal given that the Addicks, who he joined after leaving the Imps, have decided he is surplus to requirements. I wonder now whether Alex Mitchell is observing and realising how foolish it was to pick Charlton over the Imps.
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