Lincoln City have completed the signing of winger Olamide Shodipo, who was released by Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the summer.
The former Republic of Ireland under-21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at the League One club, scoring two goals in 20 appearances for the Red Imps. He now returns to the LNER Stadium on a short-term deal until January, with the club announcing the signing this evening.
In a press release, the East Midlands club said;
“The Imps have completed the signing of Mide Shodipo who returns to the club on a permanent deal until early January.
“The winger is a familiar face for Imps fans having played 20 times while on loan from Queens Park Rangers for the second half of last season.
“Shodipo scored twice during his last stint with City, including a memorable strike at Derby County and the finishing blow following a counter-attacking move at Plymouth Argyle.
“He has previously played for Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as for the Republic of Ireland at U19 and U21 levels.”
The 26-year-old returned to Loftus Road following his temporary spell with Mark Kennedy’s side in May but was not offered a new deal. Speaking upon the announcement, Shodipo revealed his delight about returning to Sincil Bank;
“It feels great to be back, I am delighted to be here again and am raring to go.
“This is a move that works for both parties. I know the players, I know the fans and I know what the club is like so I can settle straight back into things. They made me feel so welcome last time and I can’t wait to play in front of them again”
Lincoln have been hit with an injury crisis in the last few weeks, with forwards Ben House and Tyler Walker both in the midst of a long period on the sidelines. Shodipo is capable of playing on either wing and will bolster the Imps’ attacking options. Director of football Jez George believes the short-term deal is one which works for both parties;
“This is a no-brainer for both parties. Mide knows us, we know him and in our situation, with significant injuries to Ben House and Tyler Walker, he gives us more options at the top end of the pitch and crucially, unlike other options who are free agents, Mide is ready to hit the ground running.
“This arrangement helps us in the short-term and gives Mide the opportunity to earn a longer-term contract with us or another club in January.”
It has been confirmed that Shodipo will be thrust straight into the squad and is available for tomorrow’s trip to Peterborough United.
Writer’s View
Lincoln fans will be ecstatic to welcome the winger back to LN5 having seen glimpses of what he can bring to the team last season. Mark Kennedy will have been frustrated by his lack of attacking options in recent weeks, and it was painfully obvious how short they were in the abandoned clash with Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.
Shodipo will have jumped at the chance to return to the club and the short-term deal once again shows how business savvy Lincoln are. It’s almost risk-free and gives the attacker an incentive to get his head down and earn a longer contract, whilst adding an extra dimension which the manager will be hoping keeps his team in the hunt for the play-offs.
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