Lincoln City secured the loan signing of Connor McGrandles on deadline day, sealing a return to the club after a challenging spell at Charlton Athletic.
The 28-year-old midfielder said the “familiarity” of Lincoln was a key reason behind his decision to return.
He said: “I know the players, I know behind-the-scenes. The manager was really good whenever I spoke to him, so that was all a big factor. I just want to do well for the club as well.”
“Coming into the changing room it’s been a lot easier than it has been previously. When you go in and you don’t know anyone, it’s tough. It doesn’t matter how loud or how quiet you are, it’s tough to try and get yourself in, so to know a few people and not too be as nerve-wracking has been easier,” he added.
Michael Skubala was keen to bring in some “experience” during the January transfer window, which McGrandles helps achieve.
The loanee said: “I feel like over the last few years, even though I’ve not played as much as I want, I’ve definitely developed. The side of my game of helping others and talking to other players, so if that’s part of my role here, I am happy to do so.”
There is competition for places at Lincoln, especially in the midfield, with Ethan Hamilton, Ethan Erhahon and Teddy Bishop all battling for gametime.
McGrandles said: “It’s going to be tough [to get into the starting-11]. The midfield was really good last week, so I know it’s not going to be easy. Whenever I get my chance I’m going to take it and prove I deserve to be on the pitch.”
He looked ahead to the visit of Fleetwood Town on Saturday, who come to the LNER Stadium in the relegation zone, but on the back of two consecutive wins.
“It’s going to be a really tough game, obviously they’re in a good run of form over the last few games and clearly they’re a good team. I’ve played against a lot of their players before, they’re good players. Sometimes it takes that one win to spark you off, so we can’t be under any illusion that it’s going to be anything other than a tough game,” McGrandles said.
Michael Skubala was happy to bring in McGrandles during the winter transfer window, completing the move on deadline day.
He said: “Connor has been brilliant. He’s a really good, technical footballer, a really good experienced player that came into the game against Burton and played really well in the midfield. He helped us manage the game.”
“He brings a level of experience that we all wanted in the squad, but I’ve been impressed with how he trains and how professional he is, the way he goes about his work. He’s a good asset to the club and I’m looking forward to working with him for a bit longer,” he added.
Feature Image Credit: Andrew Vaughan/Lincoln City FC
Follow LincSport on Twitter/X for live updates, post-match report and interviews from Lincoln City vs Fleetwood Town.