Imps Complete Double Swoop

Michael Appleton has captured two new recruits for his side today as we aim to improve on a poor start to the season. Striker John Marquis has joined from Portsmouth on a permanent deal, as well as Brooke Norton-Cuffy on a loan deal from Arsenal.

First of, we managed to capture the services of experienced League One goalscorer, John Marquis. Despite troubles at Portsmouth recently due to Cowley’s system, he still has over 100 goals in the last five seasons. The signing allows manager, Michael Appleton to potentially change system and operate with two strikers rather than the usual formation of a 4-3-3. Tom Hopper might still remain sometime away from a return, and this deal allows us not rush him back from a serious injury.

The second signing of the day was Brooke Norton-Cuffy on a loan deal until the end of the season from Arsenal. Despite primarily being a right-back, the 18-year-old can play as a centre-half if needed. Norton-Cuffy appears mature for his age, already making the step-up to U23’s football at 18. The tweet below shows again, the influence of Michael Appleton on getting deals across the line and the respect he is shown much higher up the leagues. Norton-Cuffy looks to be strong and technically gifted and is highly rated by Arsenal fans, who watch academy football.

Loan deal officially confirmed by Lincoln. Arsenal hadn't been planning to loan out such a young player but there's a lot of respect for Michael Appleton. This was viewed as an ideal opportunity to test where Norton-Cuffy is at and potentially accelerate his development.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) January 18, 2022

Both seem like really good deals for the club, and ones that should stop us worrying about relegation in the future. It is unclear whether Michael Appleton will want to complete anymore business before the deadline, with already four arrivals. Both players will be available for Saturday’s fixture against Plymouth Argyle.