McGrandles Back for More: Permanent Signing Bolsters City Midfield

Conor McGrandles has signed for the Imps on a permanent deal, becoming the first signing of the summer transfer window.

McGrandles returns to the Imps to bolster the midfield positions ahead of the 2024/25 League One campaign. The 28-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Sincil Bank from Charlton, featuring five times before suffering a season ending injury. In the games McGrandles featured in, City didn’t taste defeat, winning five teams, while the midfielder impressed fans, especially those who doubted him when the deal was announced on January deadline day. 

McGrandles signs for the Imps for a third time, after previously having a successful permanent spell with the club lasting two seasons. Signing under Michael Appleton in 2020, McGrandles was a crucial part of City’s squad that reached the playoff final at Wembley. The following season saw McGrandles a permanent fixture in the team, captaining the team on a number of occasions. The Imps were unable to replicate the form shown in the previous season, but managed to end the season safe from relegation. 

The retained list that followed confirmed McGrandles would depart the Imps. Despite rumours that he was leaving to move closer to home in Scotland, he ended up at fellow League One side, Charlton Athletic (these rumours were confirmed as false by McGrandles himself on his return in January). His time at Charlton was difficult as he failed to make a real impact on their first-team, although he did enjoy a good loan spell with Cambridge United.

McGrandles started his career at Falkirk, as a product of their youth academy. Making his debut in 2012, the Scotsman went on to make 65 appearances before making a move to Championship side Norwich. After just one appearance at Carrow Road, McGrandles made a permanent switch to MK Dons on a two year deal, where he made 75 appearances before departing for Sincil Bank in 2020.

McGrandles will add to his 101 City appearances as we hope to push the upper reaches of the division in the upcoming campaign. The former Norwich man joins a midfield lineup of Ethan Erhahon and Ethan Hamilton, while the futures of Ted Bishop, Danny Mandroiu and Ali Smith are yet to be confirmed.

Following the confirmation of the transfer, McGrandles said: “It’s brilliant to be back. I really enjoyed my time on loan last season so when the club showed interest in me this is what I wanted to do. There was a lot of faith shown in me when I got injured. The club offered to do all my rehab which shows the care for people here.

“I am really grateful for the way the fans took to me when I came back. I know how good the atmosphere is here and it’s something I’m really looking forward to experiencing throughout the season.”

City’s head coach Michael Skubala said: “Conor had a big effect on performances and results having signed on loan before his unfortunate injury curtailed his season. Just as important though was Conor’s impact off the pitch, setting standards in training and with his professionalism every day at the EPC.

“We feel Conor can make a big contribution moving forward within our young group and we are delighted to bring him back to the club on a permanent basis.”