Four Left Backs Currently Appearing For The PFA Select Team

July 11, 2025 Gary Galleries, Lincoln City 0

Courtesy Graham Burrell

Over the summer, a number of free agents can appear for the PFA.

Recently, a PFA XI took to the field against Worksop Town, winning 4-1. They played two separate sides, meaning 24 players in total got a run out. Sam Cosgrove was one of those players, a big name in League One over the last couple of seasons. Kazaiah Sterling, a player I once thought might be good for us, was also among the ranks, coming back from the US.

Having looked through the squad, there were four players who can play left back, or are recognised left-backs. This is purely for fun, there is only one on the list I thought might be of interest to us, but I’d wager all four are of interest to you, not least because one is a former Imp.

Here are the four left-backs currently looking for a club, and keeping fit with the PFA players.

Max Melbourne

Credit Graham Burrell

Max is a familiar name to City fans. Known as a left-back, he began his career at West Bromwich Albion, spending nearly a decade in their youth system. After loan spells in Scotland with Ross County and Partick Thistle, he joined us on loan in 2019. That move became permanent in January 2020, and Melbourne would go on to make 21 league appearances for the Imps, scoring a memorable injury-time winner against Plymouth Argyle in January 2022.

He also enjoyed a productive loan spell at Walsall, where he scored on debut, and had a short stint at Stevenage before being recalled. Despite flashes of potential and a committed attitude, Melbourne was released by Lincoln at the end of the 2021–22 season. He signed for Morecambe that summer and made 31 league appearances across two seasons before departing in 2024.

Danny Andrew

34-year-old Andrew is a versatile left-back known for his pinpoint delivery and set-piece ability. Starting at Peterborough United, his career gained traction during a solid stint at Cheltenham Town, followed by loan moves that included Mansfield Town and Cambridge United. A standout season at Macclesfield Town showcased his attacking threat, particularly from free-kicks, earning him a move to Fleetwood Town.

Despite injury setbacks, he rebounded with consistent performances at Grimsby Town and later Doncaster Rovers, where he reunited with Darren Ferguson. Andrew returned to Fleetwood for a four-year spell, establishing himself as a reliable first-team regular and goal contributor. He was a regular against City, and a player I always admired.

In 2023, he rejoined Cambridge United and added further League One experience before departing in 2025. Across more than 550 career appearances, Andrew has demonstrated resilience, technical quality, and leadership at every level from non-league to League One.

His left foot remains one of his most potent assets, particularly in dead-ball situations.

Connor Wood

Connor Wood is a dependable left-sided player who has featured at both left-back and left-wing throughout his career. Starting out in non-league football with Soham Town Rangers and Chesham United, he rose through the Nike Academy before earning a move to Leicester City, although he didn’t make a senior appearance for the Foxes. His breakthrough came at Bradford City, where he became a mainstay in the side, racking up over 100 appearances and earning praise for his consistency and versatility.

The 28-year-old was known for his energy down the flank and adapted to more attacking roles during his time at Valley Parade. After three seasons, he moved to Leyton Orient, and although initially a regular, he later found opportunities limited, prompting a loan to Colchester United. In 2023, he joined Tranmere Rovers, becoming a regular feature once more and earning a contract extension.

However, the club confirmed his release at the end of the 2024–25 campaign.

James Nolan

Nolan is a young left-back who came through the ranks at Manchester United, winning the U18 Premier League before signing his first professional deal in 2023. Although he made his senior debut in the EFL Cup against Stockport County—scoring in the shootout—first-team opportunities at Old Trafford were limited. In August 2024, a loan move to Inverness Caledonian Thistle gave Nolan valuable experience, where he became a key figure in their battle to avoid relegation despite a 15-point deduction.

He made 33 appearances and scored once in a draw against Cove Rangers, earning praise for his composure and consistency under pressure. The loan move was reportedly aided by a recommendation from Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite a strong season in Scotland, Nolan was among nine players released by Manchester United in the summer of 2025. With a full season of senior football under his belt, the 19-year-old will now be looking for the next step in his career.