Charlton Athletic are casting an eye over former Ipswich Town and Lincoln City midfielder Ted Bishop, after the Imps offered him new terms at the end of his current deal.
The 27-year-old’s contract was set to expire at the end of the previous season, with Lincoln City confirming in their retained list their intent to keep hold of the former Ipswich Town man. However, as the contract date came and went no official news came from the club.
Local journalist Michael Hortin did suggest that the player is unlikely to be seen in an Imps shirt again, a sentiment echoed by Michael Skubala, especially with recent signings of JJ McKiernan, Tom Baylis and Conor McGrandles. However, the lack of confirmation fuelled speculation into his next move.
Former Portsmouth and Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley had been linked with a move for the player at Colchester United, by fans of the club on social media but little was known of Teddy’s intentions going forward.
That was until the announcement of Charlton Athletic’s squad for a friendly fixture on Saturday. Bishop was named as a trialist in the side alongside Danny Hylton. He played the first half and then came off at half time.
Bishop has also previously made 132 appearances for Ipswich Town prior to his move to Lincoln City.
Are Charlton likely to add the player to their squad?
Bishop, is a quality League One player, that on his day can be up there with some of the best midfielders in the third tier. However, his career to date, especially his spell at Sincil Bank has been blighted by spells on the sideline. At times for the Imps he would spend months recovering, appear for a couple of games, then find himself back on the sidelines again.
Despite this he did seemingly improve his fortune last season, the Imps worked hard to ensure that he was utilised to his strengths without too much risk. In the latter half of 2022/24 season, he played some of his best football but even then, missed five of the last 10 games for the club.
It is likely that Lincoln offered him a lower contract, to better reflect his time on the pitch, something the player didn’t want to accept. Charlton will likely be assessing his injury history and considering whether to take a risk or not. The last key midfielder they took from Lincoln City on a free transfer did not work out, and has re-signed for the Imps this summer. But will Teddy be different?