Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley has revealed he'd like to bring three more players to the club before the start of the season, as reported by Lincolnshire Live.
The Imps have already added Joe Morrell, Jack Payne and Jorge Grant to their ranks, as well as having been heavily linked with a move for Ben Coker, but Cowley revealed he's keen to have a squad of 22 for the upcoming season.
He's targeting two players for every first team place, leaving him short of a number nine as well as a little light defensively, with just Cian Bolger, Michael Bostwick and Jason Shackell the recognised centre backs on the club's books.
“We know we’re a long way from where we’d like to be squad-wise,” said Cowley.
“If we want to be competitive in League One, we’re still three players short. We know where we’re short and we know the players we would like to fill those gaps, but it’s whether we can find the finances to do that.”
When quizzed on the positions he'd like to fill, the 40-year-old added; “Definitely in the number nine position and we need a bit more protection defensively."
The Imps are facing their first season in the third tier for 20 years following their League Two title win. That triumph was their second promotion in three seasons and the third piece of silverware of Cowley's reign after also lifting the 2018 EFL Trophy at Wembley.
The Verdict
His intentions seem to fit with what the fans feel is needed. They do have a number nine at present, last year's leading scorer John Akinde, but if he were to pick up an injury they'd be forced to turn to 35-year-old club legend Matt Rhead.
Rhead is a robust character, popular with the fans, but he wouldn't have a 46-game season in the tank.
They do look light at the back as well, although a move for Coker would alleviate that somewhat. Perhaps a right back who can also play right centre back would be a good move for the Imps.
There is plenty of time left and doubtless the manager will have a closer look at trialists this weekend when they face Sheffield Wednesday at Sincil Bank.