By Nathan Jackson
July 1 2010

Mustapha Carayol joined the Imps in the summer of 2010 from Torquay United, although the transfer itself sparked controversy. The Gambian midfielder had an excellent game against the Imps in March 2010 and Sutton had him scouted for the remainder of the season before signing him in May 2010.

Signed from : Torquay United

Debut : August 8th 2010 - Rotherham United 2 Lincoln City 1

Final Game - April 23rd 2011 - Bury 1 Lincoln City 0

Mustapha Carayol was seldom known in Lincoln before a spectacular performance for Torquay down at Plainmoor alerted City to this young talent. He had previously played for several sides in League Two, including Swindon Town, Macclesfield Town (although at youth level) and MK Dons before linking up with Torquay in 2008. His first season at Torquay United resulted in the Gulls winning promotion back to the Football League with a Playoff win over Cambridge at Wembley.

Carayol had an impressive 2009/10 season at Torquay and in March 2010, it was a tale of two poor sides, both with one excellent player. City had Somma and Torquay's was Carayol. The midfielder as the only real threat that the Gulls had, but Somma's brilliant message meant that City left with the points. Sutton had someone scout Carayol for the remainder of the season.

He went on to near single-handedly inspire Torquay's rise up the table after that, including a brilliant goal at Grimsby that saw him beat several players on an incredible 55 yards.

When it came to the summer of 2010, he was offered a new contract by Torquay, but he agreed to sign for the Imps and this sparked off a bit of a war between the clubs. City believed they didn't owe a fee due to Torquay not having a major factor in his development as he had already had several years in professional football before then). However, Paul Buckle rejected this and the case went to tribunial.

Carayol made the perfect start to life with the Imps, scoring on his debut. He would become a semi-regular goalscorer under Steve Tilson, scoring goals against Wycombe and twice against Hereford within a month at the start of Tilson's reign.

As the season went on it became more obvious why Torquay fans didn't rate him overly highly for the most part, his performances becoming very inconsistent to say the least. Injuries towards the end of the season meant he couldn't be involved as the Imps were relegated from the Football League.

He left in the summer of 2011 to join Bristol Rovers.

Midfielder : Mustapha Carayol

Discussion started by theimps.ka (IP Logged), 01/07/2010 18:27

theimps.ka
01/07/2010 18:27

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