Defenders
Regan Poole
SW Average Rating: 6.44
I know Regan Poole divides opinion, but I’m firmly in the ‘decent player’ camp. He is prone to the odd bad game, but in a team that suffers multiple injuries, losses of form and errors, he is relatively dependable. One or two goals have been from mistakes of his, but I don’t think there’s a player in our team this season who you can’t say that about. I liked what I saw on Boxing Day especially, he looked fired up and he’s not one you can ever say is lacking effort.
My Season So Far Rating: 7/10
Lewis Montsma
SW Average Rating: 6.49
Lewis is something of an enigma, a player who by design makes errors. By that I mean he is a ball-playing centre half, and if the best player in the world tries 100 passes, four or five go astray. If a League One defender tries 100, I’d say more go astray, and when that’s in your own half, it’s problematic. I do like Lewis, but I feel there’s a contradiction around him; people worry he might go for decent money in the winter window, but his actual performances have been no better than any of our other defenders. For me, there’s not enough threat at corners and he’s still caught out wrong side of his man too often.
My Season So Far Rating: 6/10
Adam Jackson
SW Average Rating: 6.59
If I’m writing this in a parallel universe, where Adam Jackson has been injury-free, it would read differently. We’d be talking about our best central defender, consistent in performance and always dependable. Instead, we’re talking about a ‘what could be’ player, someone who would be a huge asset if only he were playing regularly. Instead, half his performances have been as he comes back from injury and then just as he hits his stride, he’s back on Mickey Hines’ treatment table.
My Season So Far Rating: 6/10
Cohen Bramall
SW Average Rating: 5.80
I remember Bramall’s first start for the Imps; 2-2 with Accrington back in February. It was a horrible game for him, he really struggled defensively and I thought ‘the only way is up from here’. I’m not sure it is. I like the idea of Bramall, he’s so quick it’s unreal, but he’s like those players on FIFA with 94 pace, but an overall rating of 65 – it’s just all about the running. I’m sure there’s a decent player in here, I am, but I’m not sure we’re going to get to see it.
My Season So Far Rating: 5/10
Joe Walsh
SW Average Rating: 6.43
Who? Genuinely, not being cruel, but unless you work at the club, it’s very hard to put a rating on Joe Walsh this season.
My Season So Far Rating: 0/10
TJ Eyoma
SW Average Rating: 5.69
Do you remember the utter elation you felt walking into the ground against Bolton and seeing TJ Eyoma striding onto the pitch as a Lincoln player? I do. I thought we’d signed a solid, dependable player with both versatility and purpose. Up until a couple of days ago, I thought they might have sent us someone who looked a lot like TJ, but wasn’t. He’s struggled, both defensively and going forward, and I wonder if settling into a new club without the promise of a top-flight return has been a challenge. At least with TJ, we know there’s a good player in there.
My Season So Far Rating: 5/10
Jamie Robson
SW Average Rating: 6.38
Jamie Robson had big boots to fill; imagine coming into a club and fans expecting you to be like one of the best players from the season before (see also Ted Bishop and Hakeeb Adelakun). It was even tougher for Jamie; he’s coming in immediately after Edun left, and he’s stepping into an entirely new league. I’m surprised he settled as well as he did, and I’m surprised he’s been on the fringes over the last couple of games. I quite like him and I think there’s plenty to come from the full back.
My Season So Far Rating: 7/10
Sean Roughan
SW Average Rating: 5.90
It’s hard to give Sean a rating, because we’ve only seen him once, but you have to ask why? I thought he did well against Bowers and I’d hoped it meant a run in the team. Last season, he was good enough to start ten or so matches in a team at the top of League One, this season he can’t get a kick in a team struggling at the bottom of the division.
My Season So Far Rating: 5/10