By Albatross
January 7 2004

Speculation is mounting that Lincoln City are about to make the current loan deal for Pools forward Marcus Richardson a permanent one. Nothing has been said officially yet, but reports from Lincolnshire suggest that the Hartlepool United striker is close to agreeing a deal with the Red Imps. Richardson's month loan is due to expire after Lincoln's game against Oxford at the weekend, and my understanding of it is that having spent a total of three months on loan at Sincil Bank they either have to sign him permanently or send him back. Despite having not scored since his return, they are still keen to have the Pools forward there on a permanent basis.

Until now, one of the big sticking points has been wages. Pools apparently payed part of Marcus's weekly wage while he was on loan originally, as Lincoln - who are determined to avoid the financial problems they have encountered in the past - would have to have paid out more than their wage structure allows to the former Torquay man.

Now however it seems to be a case of all change. According to an article in the Lincolnshire Echo, Richardson is prepared to take a pay cut and sign for the Imps - who are looking at how they can afford him, including looking to send players out on loan elsewhere. The issue now would seem to be whether Pools want a fee; but having already let Henderson depart on a free to Carlisle, and previously indicated that Richardson would be allowed to do the same, it's difficult to see the club insisting on payment - especially as Lincoln are in the position that a demand for a transfer fee would scupper the deal.

Richardson impressed immensely in his initial two months, notching five times in 13 games before earning a surprise recall to the Pools starting eleven against Chesterfield - where he played a big part in the first goal, although it was credited as an own goal. However, after taking part in the games against Wycombe and Notts County he fell from favour again and spent most of the following six weeks trying to impress in the reserves, with Gabbiadini until his injury, Eifion Williams, Paul Robinson, Joel Porter and Jack Wilkinson seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.

Lincoln took him back on loan in the middle of December, and he's made four more appearances for them since then. He's failed to score though, and while many of the fans still rate him and would be pleased to see him join up, others are becoming less convinced of his merits. As at Pools, he's been blowing hot and cold - offering something very different, but also frustrating on many occasions. The "Bambi on Ice" description we were told of by Torquay fans when he joined us in October 2002 still holds true.

His six goals in 29 appearances - and none in Division 2 - mean that Pools may well be waving him goodbye as unsuitable for the league we're currently in. Turner's last signing may have performed erratically, but the occasional flashes of genius (Cambridge at home last season anyone?) will provide a few good memories of the man occasionally referred to as "a bit like Paulo Wanchope".

If Richardson does leave, it may be good news for Joel Porter. The Aussie is on a short term deal, and has shown some potential with a couple of goals and a lively performance coming off the bench last Saturday; should Lincoln sign Marcus, then I would expect Porter to have his deal extended at least until the end of the season. Watch this space.....