EFL clubs are dropping their retained lists by the hour, and currently, a few former Imps are on the move.
As of lunchtime on May 7th, we’re looking at which former Imps are on the move, and which are to be retained by their clubs. There are no former Imps currently involved in the Championship retained lists, so we’re straight into League One.
Firstly, while Bristol Rovers have dropped out of League One, they’ve triggered a one-year option for defender James Wilson. Wilson had a tough time at City, arriving in a blaze of glory from a stint in League One, but never settling. He’s since won a promotion with Plymouth Argyle and been named Player of the Season at Ipswich. He played every minute for Rovers last season, and even at 36, looks to be a key part of their promotion hopes next season.
Aaron Lewis, who many will vaguely remember from our 2020/21 season, is another staying put. He’s had a one-year option triggered in his Mansfield Town contract, having made 41 League One appearances. He’s still only 26 as well, even though it feels like a long while since we saw him at City.
A handful of former Imps have been released in League One. Matty Pearson, horribly exposed in our 2-2 draw with Huddersfield before Christmas, has left the Terriers. He played for the Imps against Carshalton during a 2010/11 loan spell from Blackburn, and has had a stellar career since.
Another of our National League players, Patrick Brough, has been invited back for pre-season by Northampton Town, but not offered a new deal currently. The Cobblers have been ruthless with former Imps in that respect – TJ Eyoma has not been offered a new deal after signing halfway through the season, meaning the popular centre back is once again looking for a new club.
Morecambe have offered a new deal to a former Imp in League Two, albeit not next season. Lee Angol had two spells with us, one in the National League, and he’ll likely ply his trade there next season following the Shrimpers’ relegation from the Football League. Discussions are ‘ongoing’ with the striker, who turns 31 in August.
Tranmere Rovers’ retained list featured a current Imp, Zak Bradshaw, who returns to us in the summer. There’s also a former Imp to be released – Tom Davies was a loanee during our National League days, and he leaves the club. The 33-year-old has also turned out for Coventry City and Bristol Rovers, among others.