With the departure of players like Sean Roughan, Paudie O’Connor, and the outstanding Alistair Smith from AFC Wimbledon on loan, Lincoln City has had a difficult start to the summer transfer season. Now that a deal to a League One competitor is about to conclude, the Imps are said to have lost out on one of their summertime goals.
The only changes made to the playing roster this summer are the addition of defenders Ryley Towler and Sonny Bradley to take the place of Roughan and O’Connor, who are leaving.
Additions in Attack Required at Lincoln City
Attacking output was very much a key reason behind the Imps missing out on a play-off spot. Only James Collins reached double figures, and the 34-year-old was a January signing, making just 14 starts in his total of 20 outings for the club.
Creativity was also an issue as Lincoln City ranked 14th for big chances created, but the lack of a consistent goalscorer was ultimately their undoing. One player who did find the back of the net was Nottingham Forest loanee Joe Gardner. The forward arrived on loan at the end of January, having impressed in Forest’s development side.
He had scored six goals in 12 matches at Premier League 2 level and opened his account for the Imps in a 4-1 win over Crawley Town in March.
After a red card on his debut, Gardner had just broken into the first team playing off the left as the campaign came to a close. It appeared he would be ready to kick on for the 2025/26 campaign. Reports are now stating that his immediate future will not be at the LNER Stadium.
Gardner Set For League One Move
The 20-year-old had returned to Forest this summer after his first regular run of senior football, having made his debut for the Premier League side in the FA Cup in 2024. Alan Nixon (paywall) is reporting that Lincoln City wanted the player to return for the upcoming campaign. The same source indicates that a move to League One rivals Mansfield Town is nearing completion.
For the majority of the season, Nigel Clough’s team was enjoyable to watch and finished in 17th position in League One. Gardner made just four of his 11 appearances from the starting lineup at Lincoln City, but they could be able to provide him a more consistent spot in the starting lineup.
In addition to Kyle McAdam’s loan, Mansfield Town has added five permanent players this summer. The club will have two Forest loanees on its books if the Gardner transfer goes through because McAdam, 20, was a consistent starter in their development squad with Gardner.
