Former Lincoln City play-off finalist Callum Morton looks increasingly unlikely to remain with his current League Two club, with comments from Bristol Rovers’ Steve Evans casting doubt over his short-term future.
The 26-year-old striker, who played a supporting role in our 2020–21 promotion push, is currently unattached beyond the end of the season and appears to be edging towards the exit door after falling down the pecking order.
Speaking after Bristol Rovers’ 2-0 win over Walsall, head coach Steve Evans admitted that Morton may simply be surplus to requirements, despite praising his ability and professionalism.
“We’re still having a chat with Callum at the minute,” Evans said. “I think it’s maybe a touch too far for us, and maybe unlikely that we’re going to keep Callum.”
While Evans stopped short of definitively ruling out Morton’s future, the context was telling. Bristol Rovers have added depth at the top end of the pitch since the January window closed, and Morton has featured just six times, scoring once in Evans’ first game in charge before being left out of recent matchday squads entirely.
A familiar name at the Bank
Morton is a player City supporters know well. We secured him on a season-long loan from West Bromwich Albion in September 2020, and at the time it felt like a statement addition. He arrived fresh from a standout play-off campaign with Northampton Town, where he scored decisive goals en route to Wembley, including a brace in the semi-finals and the opener in a 4-0 final win.
His Lincoln spell, though, never quite caught fire. A shoulder injury early in the season stalled his momentum, and although he returned with an immediate goal in our defeat against Fleetwood Town in March 2021, his role was largely that of an impact option rather than a nailed-on starter. Across league and cup competitions, Morton made 21 appearances for City, scoring three times.
Even so, his movement, direct running and willingness to attack near-post spaces offered something different, particularly during a season disrupted by injuries across the forward line.
Since leaving Lincoln, Morton’s career has taken him through Fleetwood Town, Salford City and Forest Green Rovers, with further loan spells punctuated by injuries. Now, with Bristol Rovers seemingly settled up front, his next move may come sooner rather than later.
For City supporters, this is less about a potential return and more about the familiar reminder of a player whose Lincoln chapter promised plenty, delivered flashes, but was ultimately shaped by circumstance. Whether Morton finds stability elsewhere or drops another level to rebuild, his situation underlines just how fine the margins can be for forwards trying to establish themselves in the EFL.
What is clear is that, just as he once did in red and white, Callum Morton finds himself at a crossroads.