Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala reflected on what was a busier transfer deadline day than was previously envisaged.
The belief at Sincil Bank was that the Imps’ winter transfer business had concluded with the signing of Ryan Oné, which marked City’s fourth arrival in the window.
And while Lewis Montsma completed his anticipated move to Dundee, Gbolahan Okewoye also left the Imps by mutual consent. But after Dom Jefferies extended his stay with the Imps, continuing their future planning, Skubala added one final player to his squad.
Late Move For Bristol Rovers Midfielder
Signing a player on loan from the division below always feels a slightly strange decision on the face of it, particularly when it won’t result in a permanent move. But it’s something that has happened increasingly more in this window, like with Jayden Fevrier’s move to Championship side Charlton Athletic from Stockport County.
Kamil Conteh was the mystery man, as City utilised the newly introduced deal sheets to complete the signing. He has played 26 times for Bristol Rovers this season, with his 20 starts split evenly between holding and central midfield. After leaving Middlesbrough, he spent a year with City’s rivals, Grimsby Town, before stepping up to League One with Rovers. The Sierra Leone international has 36 appearances in the third tier before the Gas were relegated to League Two.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire ahead of the trip to Plymouth Argyle, Skubala explained the decision to sign the 23-year-old midfielder.
“He just adds to and supports the group. He is a good player who has played over 50 times at League One level, so it was good to add some more depth to that unit.
“We have a lot of games to go and we want to cover all the bases we think we can look after in all positions. Cam brings a lot of experience and some quality to that group.”
Opinion: Lincoln Preparing For Worst-Case Scenario
If it wasn’t clear enough anyway, Conteh’s arrival is to cover for multiple injuries. While he will obviously be pushing for any first-team involvement, it appears extremely unlikely, unless there is a crisis in City’s midfield.
Conor McGrandles has been superb this season, joined by Ivan Varfolomeev in the centre of the park. The Ukrainian was the Imps’ record signing when he joined from Slovan Liberec in the summer, and has stepped up in the absence of Tom Bayliss through injury.
But with the former Shrewsbury Town midfielder now back fit, there will be an almighty battle between those three midfielders for two starting spots. That leaves Conteh as the fourth option, alongside others who can also play in that position. Lincoln will hope that he will be used sparingly, if at all, as they continue their push for a first second-tier season in over 60 years.