There is a distinct continental air around Sincil Bank this summer, such is the nature of the globalisation of football, even small clubs like Lincoln City can sign players from countries like France and Hungary. Janos Kovacs showed his dedication to Jacko’s cause by driving all the way from his Hungarian homeland in a Mini to sign a contract. But who is our new signing? Born in Budapest in 1985, Kovacs started his playing career at MTK Hungaria, however his time there would be short, between 2003 and 2005 Kovacs made just one starting appearance in Hungary’s top flight. Chesterfield took him on trial in August 2005, and they were sufficiently impressed to offer him a contract for the season.

He quickly garnered a reputation for being powerful and fearless in the air, it was these attributes that earned him a place in Chesterfield’s League One side of 2005/2006. However this first team run didn’t last long, Kovacs only made 10 appearances in that season. 2006/2007 saw Kovacs loaned out to York City, scoring a header in a 5-0 win at Cambridge United. The step down to the Conference obviously impressed the Chesterfield set up, because the week after he returned he was back into the starting line up, playing 3 more games before the end of the season, earning himself a contract on the way. Kovacs finally found his level last term in League Two, playing all but one game, and scoring 2 goals in the process, including one against Lincoln in the 4-2 defeat at Sincil Bank.

He was the runner up in the Chesterfield Supporters’ Club Player of the Year awards, behind Jack Lester. He has been highly rated by many Chesterfield fans, although some say he still has a lot of learning to do, having been described as “raw” by some fans. But the general consensus among Spireites is that they have lost a very good defender at this level, some questioning Lee Richardson’s decision to let a 22 year old with a great future go, while signing the 33 year old Robert Page. Kovacs is an exciting player to sign for the Imps, the first truly exciting signing we have had for many years.

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