Lincoln City have confirmed the signing of John Marquis from Portsmouth on a short-term deal.
The 29-year old striker will remain with the club for the rest of the current campaign.
Marquis has experience playing at League One level with Doncaster Rovers and Pompey.
Marquis spoke for the first time since joining his new club, claiming he wants to be a valuable goal contributor for the Imps.
“I want to score goals and help the team as much as I can. When chances are created I want to get on the end of them, which is the best way I can help the team,” said Marquis, via the club’s official website.
“It’s an opportunity to get in the areas where I do my best work, which is in and around the box, and get myself and the team some goals.
“I’m a centre forward that first and foremost works hard for the team, I want to help where I can with my energy and aggression at the top end of the pitch. I’ve also got some good experience to pass on to help the younger players who are already here, but I can also learn from them as well.”
Marquis has played 19 times in League One already this season, starting 15 and scoring four goals.
Last season was the striker’s most successful with Portsmouth as he led the line to earn 16 goals in the league. His best campaign, however, came with Doncaster in 2018-19, where he scored 21 goals in League One.
Lincoln are currently 18th in the third division, with 28 points from 25 games. Michael Appleton’s side are only four points clear of the relegation zone and lost their most recent league fixture.
That loss was courtesy of Cambridge United, who took a 1-0 victory thanks to a 91st minute winner from Joe Ironside.
Lincoln’s next game comes against third place Rotherham this evening.
The Verdict
Marquis is a proven goal scorer at this level and Lincoln have struggled to score enough goals this season.
This is a very good signing for the club. While Marquis’ form this season hasn’t been his usual standard, Appleton will be hoping that a change in scenery will be enough for him to kick start his season.
If Lincoln can start scoring a few more goals then they should be able to get out of this relegation battle and secure safety to another season in League One.