Lincoln City

Lincoln City
Futcher ready for Lincoln talks Futcher will make a decision over his future in the next few weeks Lincoln City defender Ben Futcher will discuss his future at the club this week with manager Keith Alexander. "There's great potential at this club, it's just a case of getting everything set up right," Futcher, 24, told BBC Radio Lincolnshire. "Like the rest of the lads who are out of contract, I'll have a chat with the boss and see where he wants to go. "Players need to be looked after now and I'll make my decision in the next couple of weeks."

Imps beat Mansfield to sign Bacon
Lincoln City have signed striker Danny Bacon from Hucknall Town on a 12-month deal after he rejected a move back to former club Mansfield Town. Bacon, 24, was Hucknall's top-scorer this season and also helped them to the FA Trophy final. Meanwhile, Lincoln have offered new deals to Matthew Bloomer, Richard Butcher, Peter Folkes and Ben Futcher. Peter Gain, Alan Marriott, Paul Morgan, Kevin Sandwith, Simon Rayner and Simon Yeo have also had contract offers. However, Michael Blackwood, Martin Caruthers, Chris Cornelly, Ritchie Hanlon, Adam Kerley, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Ciaran Toner have been released.

Folkes agrees new deal at Lincoln
Lincoln defender Peter Folkes has agreed a new one-year contract at Sincil Bank. The 20-year-old, who started his career at Bristol City, joined the Imps from Bradford last summer after turning down the chance to stay at Valley Parade. Folkes made just two appearances for the Imps last season. Meanwhile, midfielder Lee Frecklington, striker Ollie Ryan and defender Chris Gordan, all aged 19, have signed one-year professional contracts.

Imps' Butcher signing for Oldham
Lincoln's out-of-contract midfielder Richard Butcher has agreed a two-year contract to join Oldham. The 24-year-old is currently on holiday but is set to put pen-to-paper on a deal when he returns next week. Butcher joined the Imps from Kettering in 2002 and has made more than 100 appearances for Lincoln, who lost last week's League two play-off final. Lincoln boss Keith Alexander has several players out of contract and wants a decision on their futures. Alan Marriott, Paul Morgan, Ben Futcher, Matt Bloomer and Peter Gain have all been offered new contracts. So far only defender Peter Folkes and youngsters Lee Frecklington, Chris Gordon and Ollie Ryan have signed deals.

Alexander pens new Lincoln deal
Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander has signed a new three-year contract with the League Two side. Alexander is in his second spell in charge of the Imps and his current deal was due to expire after next season. "It wasn't a difficult decision to make. We can now push this club forward," said Alexander. "We're delighted. It'll give the right signs to those players who are out of contract at the end of the season," said interim chairman Steph Wright.

Alexander hopes key men will sign
Lincoln boss Keith Alexander is confident other key players will not follow Richard Butcher's example by leaving Sincil Bank. Butcher, one of ten Imps players offered new terms, opted to join League One Oldham instead. Alexander told Imps website: "I'm surprised and disappointed Richard left, but that's football. "Ideally those offered a deal would've made their minds up, but most wanted to decide after returning from holiday."

Imps boss joins hunt for Bramble
Lincoln have joined Rochdale in the race to sign striker Tes Bramble, who was recently released by Southend. Dale manager Steve Parkin has already admitted he had held talks with the 24-year-old, who has also reportedly been linked with Nottingham Forest. But Imps boss Keith Alexander told the Lincolnshire Echo: "Tes is on our list. "I'm trying all the time to bring people in, but I haven't spoken to him yet because he's away on holiday with his brother." Parkin had told Rochdale's website: "Tes is a good player. I've had talks and by offering the chance to stay in the League I hope he chooses to move north." Bramble, whose brother is Newcastle defender Titus, ended last season on loan at Cambridge United, who were relegated to the Conference. He scored three times in nine games for the U's, having netted 40 times in a four-year stay at Roots Hall.

Boston complete Futcher signing
Boston United have signed towering central defender Ben Futcher from local rivals Lincoln City. Futcher's arrival follows the capture of Torquay right-back Lee Canoville, striker Noel Whelan from Aberdeen and Colchester United's Gavin Johnson. Futcher, 24, has agreed a two-year deal with the Pilgrims. "The boy gives us great height defensively and is a major threat from all attacking set-plays," Boston boss Steve Evans said.

Yeo says Imps must improve deals
Former Lincoln striker Simon Yeo says the club must increase wage offers to keep hold of the Imps' best talent. Yeo, who has moved to New Zealand Knights, told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "They've made a lot of money and could put some of that into keeping players. "Then Keith Alexander doesn't have to go out and buy new people. "I've not said this to annoy the board but to let them realise that they're going to lose players if they don't increase the money a bit."

Kerr aiming to leave Scarborough
Scarborough midfielder Scott Kerr says he has had talks with Barnet and Lincoln and aims to join a League side before the start of the season. The 23-year-old former Boro captain has been the target of a number of clubs. Kerr told Scarborough's website: "I've enjoyed playing under Paul Fairclough for England and have discussed a move to Barnet with him. "I've spoken to Keith Alexander at Lincoln but nothing is imminent because the terms haven't been quite right." Kerr added: "I'm keeping my options open but I feel the time is right to move to a League club."

Arsenal sign Imps starlet Hobbs
Arsenal have signed teenager Jack Hobbs from League Two side Lincoln City, according to reports. The Gunners have beaten Manchester United in the race to land the 16-year-old central defender. Highbury chief executive David Dein is set to authorise a six-figure payment for the Imps star. Hobbs joined Lincoln in 1997 as a nine-year-old in their academy and has progressed through the youth ranks to earn a first team squad spot this year.

Rodwell defends Futcher transfer
Boston United director of football Jim Rodwell insists defender Ben Futcher joined them for footballing reasons. Lincoln boss Keith Alexander said: "I am amazed at Ben's decision. It shows a lack of ambition, with the money offered clearly played a part." But Rodwell told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "Nobody is ever going to get rich at Boston United. "We offered Ben the same as Lincoln and he had a straight decision between the clubs. He felt it was the right time."

Huddersfield sign Taylor-Fletcher
Huddersfield Town have signed former Lincoln striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher. The 24-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Terriers after being released by Lincoln of last season. "He has got plenty of goals in him and he will be a great addition to the squad," Huddersfield boss Peter Jackson told his club's website. Former Leyton Orient striker Taylor-Fletcher scored 29 goals in two seasons with Lincoln to twice help them reach the League Two play-offs.

Lincoln City sign striker Birch
Lincoln City boss Keith Alexander has signed striker Gary Birch following his departure from relegated Kidderminster. Birch, a former Walsall forward, has agreed a 12-month deal at Sincil Bank. The 23-year-old moved to Harriers from Walsall last December and scored three times in 14 appearances before the end of the season. Alexander moved for the Birmingham-born striker, who has also had loans spells at Barnsley and Exeter, after losing Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Simon Yeo.

Marriott set to sign new contract
Lincoln City goalkeeper Alan Marriott is set to sign a new long-term deal with the League Two club. Marriott, 26, has verbally agreed a three-year contract with the club where he has spent most of his career. The former Tottenham youngster has started over 250 games since joining from White Hart Lane six years ago. Lincoln are still waiting for responses to contract offers from Matthew Bloomer, Peter Gain, Paul Morgan, Kevin Sandwith and Simon Rayner.

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