The retained lists are out, and five familiar faces with Lincoln City pasts have suddenly found themselves available this summer.
But with each now a free agent, the big question is – would we want them back at the Bank? This was a discussion we had on the podcast this week, and we’ve crammed it into an article for those who don’t (or won’t) listen. This is the overall opinion, from those watching live, to Gary (me) and Charlie.
Here’s a closer look at each name, how they fared since leaving, and whether a return would really make sense.
Jack Vale – Released by Blackburn Rovers
Jack Vale is the sort of player you remember you forgot. I even admitted leaving him off a “Worst Imps Loan Signings” list entirely, by accident, not design. That tells its own story.
Vale joined on loan with an injury and never really featured, save for two shots – one of which actually found the net. Despite a 100% shot accuracy in a Lincoln shirt, his time here left barely a ripple. He was soon replaced by Joe Taylor and faded into the background.
There’s little debate here. Vale might have been unlucky with timing and injury, but his profile doesn’t match what we need now – even as a squad option. If anything, the fact we forgot he played for us says it all.
Verdict: A firm and unanimous no.
Saxon Earley – Released by Plymouth Argyle
Earley was another loanee who struggled to impose himself at City. Signed to cover for the likes of Reeco Hackett and Dylan Duffy, who were both unavailable, the expectation was that he’d step up. He didn’t.
There were mitigating factors – injuries, limited opportunities – but ultimately Earley never looked likely to break through. He’s barely featured for Plymouth either, and a drop to League Two feels the most likely next step.
He has technical ability and could bounce back like Aaron Lewis did, but he hasn’t looked the same since his injury. We’ve seen this story before – a player with promise derailed by setbacks and struggling to regain confidence or form.
Verdict: A sympathetic no – not bad, just not for us.
Jack Burroughs – Released by Coventry City
Here’s where things got a little more interesting. Jack Burroughs split opinion, just as he did during his time with us. He played across the back line and midfield, offering versatility if not consistency. His loan spell with Kilmarnock earlier this season was uninspiring, and he returned to Coventry without playing a league minute since.
The debate centres on whether he’s just a utility player, or someone who could meaningfully contribute. For some, his adaptability makes him a valuable squad option – a Dom Jefferies-type who can slot in anywhere. For others, he’s a jack-of-all-trades but master of none, lacking the quality to be a serious option in a side looking upward.
The key issue? We need to replace Sean Roughan with a proper left back, not someone to float around the edges of the squad.
Verdict: A soft maybe – perhaps as a late-window pickup, but not a top target.
Since we did the podcast, Burroughs has signed for Northampton
Cohen Bramall – Released by Portsmouth
Cohen Bramall’s release was a surprise to some – but not necessarily to Lincoln fans. He was always lightning quick, capable of those byline-burning sprints that excite supporters, but rarely followed them up with end product. He wasn’t a defender in a back four and, ultimately, that’s what we now need.
In today’s system, Bramall doesn’t fit. He thrived best as a left wing-back with license to attack, not as a disciplined left back. While his name still sparks excitement in some corners, the consensus was that pace alone isn’t enough anymore – especially if it comes at the cost of defensive solidity.
Verdict: No – not for this system, not in this shape.
Anthony Scully – Released by Portsmouth
Ah, Scully. This one hit hard.
A fan favourite and one of the standout performers during our play-off final season, Scully lit up the Bank with goals, flair and that inside-cut top-corner special. His move to Wigan promised more – but injuries crippled his momentum. Portsmouth never got a tune out of him, and even at Colchester, he managed just two league starts.
Despite that, the heart says yes. The heart wants the 2021 version back, the one who made us believe again. But the head? The head sees a 26-year-old struggling for fitness, stuck in rehab cycles, and not close to being the player he once was.
Still, fans (Gary) would go wild if he returned – just like they did with Tyler Walker. But is that reason enough?
Verdict: A head-over-heart no – but God, do we want to be wrong.
The Final Tally
So, five former Imps are now free agents, and only one – Burroughs – drew anything approaching genuine debate. Vale and Earley were resounding “no”s, Bramall was ruled out on tactical grounds, and Scully… well, Scully brought tears, not solutions.
Football’s a cruel game sometimes. Nostalgia is powerful, but recruitment can’t be built on it. And if we’re serious about progressing, we need to aim higher than old favourites, no matter how fondly we remember them.
That said, if Scully signs and curls one in from 25 yards next season, we’ll all claim we called it.