League One side Lincoln City are in advanced talks to sign Championship side Derby County’s 34-year-old striker James Collins, moving ahead of rivals Rotherham United and Leyton Orient for the forward.
The Imps have been on the hunt for an experienced striker this window as they look to rectify their poor form in front of goal. Manager Micheal Skubala indicated that the club’s initial plan was to utilise Tyler Walker alongside their young forwards this season. However, the former Coventry City man’s injury woes continued to sideline him throughout this season.
Youth, Form and Goals
This left the young trio of Jovon Makama, Freddie Draper and loanee Baily Cadamarteri alongside Ben House and Rob Street as the club’s forward options. The latter has already joined Doncaster Rovers on loan, after struggling to force his way into the side on a regular basis, whilst Ben House is not known for his goalscoring prowess, and has had his own injury issues.
Cadamarteri (19), Makama (20) and Draper (20) have all struggled for goals in recent weeks. The Imps winter form dropped off, and the goals dried up with Darikwa’s goal against Northampton ending a run of nearly 10 hours of football without scoring from open play.
Now, according to Pete O’Rourke Lincoln City could be set to land the experienced goal scorer. The same journalist had previously suggested that Rotherham United and Leyton Orient were considering moves, but it appears as though the Imps have moved ahead.
What Can James Collins Bring to Lincoln City?
Collins brings a wealth of experience to the young squad, with 131 Championship, 192 League One and 236 League Two appearances he knows what it takes to perform in the EFL. Couple this with his 187 EFL goals, League One and League Two winner’s medals as well as his golden boot from his time at Luton Town and he may just be able to provide the Imps what they are looking for.
Lincoln have already added the experience of boyhood Lincoln man Sam Clucas to the midfield, and with Darikwa having signed to extend his deal it gives the young squad that additional experience at every level of the pitch.