Lincoln City have announced the return of Scottish midfielder Conor McGrandles on an initial two-year deal, as the summer transfer window officially opens.
The 28-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Michael Skubala’s side, has now signed been signed by the club for the third time.
Third Stint at Lincoln City:
McGrandles joined Lincoln City for the first time in the summer of 2020, leaving MK Dons.
He spent two full seasons at the Imps, playing 91 competitive games across his initial time at the club. Over the course of his stint, he scored six goals and assisted three from the centre of midfield, before moving onto Charlton Athletic.
The ex-Norwich City man returned to Lincolnshire for a loan spell that was dogged by injury in the second half of last season, and has now signed for the club a third time.
Never Got Going at Charlton Athletic:
McGrandles never got going at Charlton, playing just 19 games for the Addicks across two seasons on their books. He was loaned out to Cambridge United for the second half of the 2022/23 season, managing to match his total Charlton appearances in just four months at the Abbey.
After just three SkyBet League One appearances in the first half of last season, he returned to Lincoln during the winter transfer window. The midfielder played five games for the Imps before picking up an ankle injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
What Has Been Said?
Speaking to the club website, Lincoln City’s first summer signing 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.”
Imps manager Michael Skubala added: “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.”
A Solid Pair of Hands – Opinion:
Conor McGrandles proved himself to be a solid, and trustworthy, pair of hands during his loan return to Lincoln City. His injury stopped him from impressing further, but there were certainly signs that the Scotsman had maintained the quality he showed in his first stay in Lincolnshire.
Alongside fellow Scots Ethan Hamilton and Ethan Erhahon, his return helps bolster Lincoln’s midfield, as fans wait for news on out-of-contract Ted Bishop.