All eyes on the Loanees

[STUHILL]

No need to give him a chance. His contract will be up in June and he'll probably be better served staying with Lincoln or joining another club where he's properly appreciated and where he won't be likely to lose his shirt to some imported wannabees if he has a couple of bad games.

But here's a thought or two...

Which of our central or outside midfielders have managed two League goals let alone nine, remembering that Hume scored his goals mostly as a striker?

And are you seriously suggesting Dodds wouldn't be able to compete with most of the umpteen strikers we've used this season including Mark DeVries, Carl Cort, Collins John, Matty Fryatt and Barry Hayles?

Whatever happens I'm delighted for Dodds because I'm getting very close now to justifying what I said about him scoring 10-15 goals for his first full League season and scoring more than Matty Fryatt in 2007/2008 by a distance.

And as for Dodds' future I cannot imagine him wanting to rush back here when his contract ends. Credit to Lincoln. They gave him a chance and kept faith with him when he hit a lean spell, wasn't scoring and when Lincoln weren't winning.

In fact they kept faith to the point where he's made more appearances this season than anyone else. Can anyone imagine Leicester doing that unless he was one of the Chosen Men and there's been no signs of his ever being that as a senior?

While those strikers I've named arrived and were tried, together with the Horsfield, Cadamarteri, Chris O'Grady and even Eric Odhiambo, Dodds didn't get one single first team minute. Not even at Hereford when he was taken as part of the squad.

And that despite a manager who declared him "the most natural finisher in the club." Pity he can't play against Kelly's mob on Tuesday.

Probably stay at Lincoln, seems to have found his level finally.

[The People's Hero]

Even not knowing your cut-off lines I'd say that's nonsense.

It's true Gradel has some special skills, particularly his keenness and accuracy in shooting from all sorts of ranges and his willingness to keep having a go at people.

He's quick too but not mega quick, he's skillful but not a George Best, he's certainly not been the greatest defender and he has his bad days like everyone else.

But to dismiss people like Mattock, Andy King, Lee Cox, Ryan Beswick, Billy McKay, perhaps even Craig King, plus others like Jorrin John and even Ashley Chambers is ridiculous at this stage .

Just because they're different kinds of players doesn't mean they're not quality. If they were "average" they wouldn't be off to the Dallas Youth Tournament shortly.

That's not to suggest all the names I've mentioned will burst through. Even Gradel has to prove himself at Championship level once the time comes.

But there're by no means average and much will depend on how they mature from now and the opportunities/quality of help they get plus all sorts of factors that can help or hinder progress during late teenaged years.

Yes. And just to prove they're not 'average' - they're not making the first team for a poor Championship side.

They may aspire to mediocracy, but they have some way to go yet.

[the other lcfc]

Looking at Dodd's record he's now got 9 in 29 starts, might be worth keeping him on for another season as that record is decent. He seems to have hit a bit of form recently so maybe it's taken him a little bit of time to settle into first team football. Also I recall someone saying that he has spent much of his time in midfield.

Hi all, Lincoln fan here, Dodds has been playing all season in midfield. In fact I can't really recall any games when he has started as a front 2 in a 442 formation. He does seem to have a very decent finish, his goal on saturday againt Wycombe was quite a strike if you get to watch it on virgin media, its worth a view. I would hope we can persuade him to sign permanently during the close season, as he would be a good player for us. Granted he probably wont stand much chance at getting back into the foxes reckoning and it obviously is a big step up playing in the championship after league two. If you dont want him, I would hope Peter Jackson will do what he can and if he wants Louis, hopefully he will help us push for a serious promotion attempt next season.

[Jimmy]

Hi all, Lincoln fan here, Dodds has been playing all season in midfield. In fact I can't really recall any games when he has started as a front 2 in a 442 formation. He does seem to have a very decent finish, his goal on saturday againt Wycombe was quite a strike if you get to watch it on virgin media, its worth a view. I would hope we can persuade him to sign permanently during the close season, as he would be a good player for us. Granted he probably wont stand much chance at getting back into the foxes reckoning and it obviously is a big step up playing in the championship after league two. If you dont want him, I would hope Peter Jackson will do what he can and if he wants Louis, hopefully he will help us push for a serious promotion attempt next season.

yes but could you afford to buy him, as if we offer him a new deal greater or equal to his current you'll have to pay compo

[the other lcfc]

yes but could you afford to buy him, as if we offer him a new deal greater or equal to his current you'll have to pay compo

No Idea, I didn't think he would be in your plans at the Walkers. My concern is that he won't be wanted by your club but other clubs outside of the championship will see what he has done out of position and snap him up. No doubt about it, he has done well at Sincil Bank and I would hope he has enjoyed his time enough here to sign on the dotted line come the end of the season.

http://www.football.virginmedia.com/page/l...1255046,00.html

Dodds goal on Saturday. Watch the miss of the season after!

[davieG]

No Idea, I didn't think he would be in your plans at the Walkers. My concern is that he won't be wanted by your club but other clubs outside of the championship will see what he has done out of position and snap him up. No doubt about it, he has done well at Sincil Bank and I would hope he has enjoyed his time enough here to sign on the dotted line come the end of the season.

http://www.football.virginmedia.com/page/l...1255046,00.html

Dodds goal on Saturday. Watch the miss of the season after!

I'd be amazed if he was still with us next season unless we got relegated

[davieG]

Is Dodds set to join permanently?

By Nathan Jackson March 4 2008

Louis Dodds' permanent switch to Sincil Bank took a step closer following the news that Leicester City have taken no interest in his progress during his loan spell at Lincoln. The on loan striker has scored 9 goals so far this season and has revealed several times that he would be interested in a permanent switch to Sincil Bank, especially as his contract expires at the end of the season.

Dodds joined the Imps in the summer from Leicester City on a one year loan. His 9 goals have won City 6 points (for example, we would have lost at Shrewsbury had he not scored twice) and his goal against Wycombe at the weekend is a contender for goal of the season.

When asked about his status at the fans forum in Sleaford, it was revealed that Leicester haven't sent a single scout to check on his progress so far this season. That is very unusual news and gives the biggest indication that they have no intention of giving him a new contract when his current deal expires in the summer.

Dodds has indicated at several points during the season that he would like to join the Imps on a permanent basis. Fans have generally been positive about this as he has started to score the goals that he has threatened. The one major concern though is that other than scoring his 9 goals this season, he hasn't actually done a lot and seems to fade in and out of games with ease.

Dodds will have to wait until the summer to find out if he has a chance of joining permanently. Jackson has already revealed he is looking to get the squad down to 18 players from the current 21 permanent players, 9 of whom are out of contract. Among those likely to be released are Oliver Ryan and Gary Croft.

[Alexikokopops]

When asked about his status at the fans forum in Sleaford, it was revealed that Leicester haven't sent a single scout to check on his progress so far this season. That is very unusual news and gives the biggest indication that they have no intention of giving him a new contract when his current deal expires in the summer.

I went to school in Sleaford, it's a shit hole.

[lavrentis]

I went to school in Sleaford, it's a shit hole.

Please tell me it was St Georges

[Alexikokopops]

Please tell me it was St Georges

Nope, Carre's.

[lavrentis]

Nope, Carre's.

ahh Gays school. Joke

[MPH]

bbc website.

Dodds might stay at Lincoln City

Dodds has been a big hit at Sincil Bank since his summer switch

On-loan Lincoln striker Louis Dodds has said he may be interested in signing a permanent contract at Sincil Bank in the summer when his loan deal ends.

Dodds is currently on a season-long loan from Leicester City.

The forward, who has been playing in midfield, has scored nine goals for the Imps from 29 starts.

The 21-year-old told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "This is a fantastic club that is going places but we will have to see what the gaffer says."

not bad form for a midfielder, but has he been playing all his games in midfield? i thought he started off up front...

[Mort]

not bad form for a midfielder, but has he been playing all his games in midfield? i thought he started off up front...

More importantly, it's League 2... the same league that Izale McLeod was smashing them in last season and he's really gone and made waves at Charlton.

[The People's Hero]

Matty Fryatt scored goals on a MORE regular basis at similar or better level.

And Thracian says he's cr ap, so Dodds is too.

Case closed.

[Jimmy]

Hayes wasn't even on the bench as Northampton won 2-0 Vs Walsall

Logan was an unused sub

Dodds and Gradel both played the full 90 as their teams lost

[Thracian]

Hayes wasn't even on the bench as Northampton won 2-0 Vs Walsall

Logan was an unused sub

Dodds and Gradel both played the full 90 as their teams lost

It'll be scant consolation but Dodds produced the cross for the Lincoln goal.

[FleckneyFox]

It'll be scant consolation but Dodds produced the cross for the Lincoln goal.

[Simi]

Some quotes from my Leeds supporting mate.

-- m i t c h o .. says:

Bournemouth were poor however Gradel was best player on pitch by far

-- m i t c h o .. says:

Why you haven't got him at Leicester i don't know

-- m i t c h o .. says:

Turning our defence inside out everytime

[Jimmy]

Some quotes from my Leeds supporting mate.

with Etuhu here now his absence isn't so shocking, however he would still probably be infinitely better on the left then Hume

[Thracian]

with Etuhu here now his absence isn't so shocking, however he would still probably be infinitely better on the left then Hume

We'll see if Etuhu really does improved our situation on the wing but first impressions suggest he's not in the same League as Gradel as a marksman.

Whether Etuhu would be better on the left is another unanswered question but Gradel can play on either flank. No doubts whatsoever.

Bottom line. Gradel should never have been re-loaned after Christmas and Etuhu's arrival is still came 10 weeks later than we could have had one.

[Trotty]

Hayes wasn't even on the bench as Northampton won 2-0 Vs Walsall

He'll probably be lucky to get a start now that we've signed Daniel Jones back on loan from Wolves. He'll probably make the bench for the next few as we've picked up a couple of injuries/suspensions for the next few but I don't think he's in Stuart Grays plans and will be on the fringes of the 16 from now until the end of the season.

[Jimmy]

we should recall the lot and start preparing for next season now

[Thracian]

Bournemouth 2-0 up. First goal followed a shot by Gradel which was blocked.

[Father Ted]

Bournemouth 2-0 up. First goal followed a shot by Gradel which was blocked.

I really hope that Bournemouth stay up in League 1.

[Webbo]

Bournemouth 2-0 up. First goal followed a shot by Gradel which was blocked.

Having seen it on the Championship I think Gradel's involvement is a bit overstated. He hit the ball from the corner of the box and it hit a defender 2 yards away and ricocheted to 1 of their players in the D who scored.