Lincoln City head coach Chris Cohen has confirmed that Conor McGrandles's substitution in the recent Championship match was purely tactical, not due to any injury concern. The midfielder was replaced by Yunus Konka around the 65-minute mark of the 1-2 home defeat to Swansea City on 19 September. The clarification provides relief for supporters who had feared another potential absence in the squad, which already includes sidelined defender Tendayi Darikwa.
Cohen's explanation was direct when asked about the change. "Just tactical," the head coach said. The decision came with Lincoln trailing 2-1, as Cohen sought to alter the midfield dynamic in search of an equaliser. Reeco Hackett had earlier given the Imps the lead from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, but two quick Swansea goals after half-time turned the game.
Midfield options remain
With McGrandles available, Lincoln's midfield resources for the upcoming fixtures remain intact. Tom Bayliss and Ivan Varfolomeev are among the other options available to Cohen as the team prepares for its next challenge. The defeat leaves Lincoln 12th in the Championship table with 11 points from eight matches, six points behind leaders Swansea.
The immediate focus shifts to a trip to face Sheffield United on 10 October. The Blades currently sit 18th, offering Lincoln a chance to bounce back on the road. The Imps' recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings, a sequence you can review in our stats section.
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