In and out: Imps’ transfer window slams shut

Lincoln City manager Chris Sutton has had a busy month of transfer activity, as the January transfer window has slammed shut.

The Imps boss has been busy in overhauling his Lincoln City squad as they look to avoid relegation into the Blue Square Premier.

The former Celtic striker who took over the managerial reigns at Sincil Bank from Peter Jackson in September, has used his contacts particularly at Fulham and Aston Villa to guide his side away from the League Two relegation zone.

Arguably the most important January acquisition was the extension of Chris Herd’s loan from Premiership outfit Aston Villa. The Australian has played a pivotal role in the Imps upturn of form with two goals to his name.

Although the window has shut, meaning permanent transfer deals cannot be done, clubs can still sign loan players and sign players without a club. Here’s the full list of Lincoln City’s January transfer dealings:

IN:

Joe Anderson – Anderson has signed a permanent deal at Sincil Bank, arriving from Premiership side Fulham for an undisclosed fee. The youngster who spent a loan spell at non-league Woking last season has been a solid addition to the Imps defence.

Adam Watts – The giant centre half, like Anderson, arrived from Fulham for an undisclosed fee after an impressive loan spell at the club. Watts’ arrival was Sutton’s first acquisition when he signed on loan from the Cottagers. Watts has done well in shoring up the Imps backline.

Nathan Baker – The England Under 19 centre half has joined the Imps on loan from Aston Villa. The highly rated centre half has formed a solid partnership with Adam Watts since he’s been at the club. Baker is a no-nonsense defender who likes a good challenge.

Clark Keltie – The centre midfielder has signed a deal until the end of the season following his release from League Two rivals Rochdale. Keltie rejected the chance to join Darlington in favour of a move to Sincil Bank. Keltie has made one start for the Imps and looks to be a good league two capture.

Chris Herd – The Australian who has signed a loan deal until the end of the season from Aston Villa has been a pivitol figure in guiding the Imps away from the relegation zone. The Imps have already made known their intentions to capture Herd, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, on a permanent contract.

Matthew Saunders – The hard working central midfielder has been a hit at Sincil Bank since his arrival on a month’s loan from Fulham. Unfortunately for the Imps, Saunders has gone back to Fulham following to undergo treatment on an injury, but Imps boss Chris Sutton has made known he would like to bring Saunders back.

Delroy Facey – Delroy is a typical League Two target man, big, strong and not afraid to put his body about. Facey is currently in his second month on loan from Notts County. The bustling striker has notched one goal to date, a terrific header as the Imps defeated Chesterfield 2-1 on Boxing Day.

Michael Uwezu – The pacy striker, like Matthew Saunders, joined on a month’s loan from Premier League side Fulham, and also like Saunders, had to go back to his parent club following an injury. Uwezu struggled to make an impact at Sincil Bank, failing to make a single start. Sutton has no plans in bringing Uwezu back.

Steven Lennon – The young Scotsman is on a loan deal that runs until the end of the season. The nippy striker failed to make the grade at Ibrox, but will be best known for a hat-trick for Rangers as they beat Celtic in a Youth Cup Final fixture.

OUT:

Joe Heath – The left back was signed by former boss Peter Jackson at the beginning of the season on a six-month loan from Championship side Nottingham Forest. Heath’s Lincoln City career had been hampered by injury and following the completion of his spell at Sincil Bank, returned to Forest and was subsequently released.

Graham Hutchinson – The Imps youngster joined Premiership side Fulham for a month’s trial, and as of yet there has been no official news of any possible transfer.

Eric Lichaj – The American full back was a big hit at Sincil Bank. Known for his attacking runs, Lichaj returned to his parent club Aston Villa following the completion of his loan spell.

Aaron Brown – Another former Peter Jackson signing, Brown, who could operate down the left flank, had his contract terminated by mutual consent. A consistent performer last season, Brown struggled to break into Sutton’s new look Lincoln side.

Chris Fagan – Fagan joined last summer from Glenn Hoddle’s academy in Spain and arrived at Sincil Bank with much promise. The former Manchester United academy striker struggled to adjust to the physicality of League Two football and joined Spanish side Jerez Industrial CF on loan until the end of the season.

Janos Kovacs – The giant Hungarian centre half has struggled to force himself into Chris Sutton’s starting XI. Kovacs, a whole hearted centre half, had his contract cancelled by mutual consent before signing for Blue Square Premier side Luton Town.

Jamie Clarke – The pacey frontman will be best remembered for his two goals that defeated non-league side Northwich Victoria in the F.A. Cup second round. Clarke however struggled for form before leaving Sincil Bank.

Khano Smith – A Bermudan left winger, Smith joined the Imps on a short term contract following a spell in the MLS. Smith struggled to adjust to League Two football and left following the completion of his contract.

Sergio Torres – A popular midfielder, Torres made a big impact after signing on loan from Peterborough United. The Argentinian was signed on loan until the end of the season before an ankle injury curtailed his spell at Sincil Bank.