Charley Kendall insists that being recalled from his loan spell at Sutton United isn’t a “negative” as he looks to embark on the next stage of his career.
The 22-year-old was recalled by Lincoln City at the start of the January transfer window after an unfortunate stint on loan with The U’s.
While at the League Two outfit the striker turned out 11 times, making four starts and the rest off the bench.
Despite not scoring at his temporary home, Kendall exclusively told Park Life Sport why the decision was made: “It was an agreement across all parties the clubs and I thought that I’m not making the most out of my time.
“It was one move of many that was possible in that league but Matt Gray showed interest all summer, it was nice to feel wanted.
“Some may see being recalled as a negative, but I view it as a really positive thing.”
Charley came through the ranks of QPR, a club that possess a quality-rich youth production line, players such as Raheem Sterling, Peter Crouch, Eberechi Eze and fresh from the 2022 World Cup with Morocco Ilias Chair.
With a gleaming showcase of homegrown talent, what was it like for him?
“It was far from easy, you try and push for the first-team you notice how many young lads it doesn’t work out for.
“Most of all it was educational and it improved my resilience.”
Kendall caught the eye of multiple League Two clubs after he joined the Imps last January because of his blistering record at National League South side Eastbourne Borough.
He curated 29 goals from 55 competitive outings across three separate loan spells.
“The relationship (with QPR’s head of academy) was good, going to Eastbourne acted as a bridge to another place where I am welcome.
“A hugely important thing in football is having people to talk to and I had a whole different club that were there for me when I needed them.”
Now back at Lincoln, Charley has the option to go back out on loan but has to abide to the EFL regulations.
“A loan is on the cards, I have featured for two league clubs now so I cannot go out to a football league side.
“I want to play at the highest level possible so I will look at all options, having that exposure to men’s football is best for me.
“90 minutes of rough, dirty football is the experience I need to show clubs that I can play in the Football League.”
For sure Eastbourne would welcome Kendall back but the striker thinks his career needs guidance – “I’m not saying that would be a step in the wrong direction, I think my career needs to stay in a full time environment.”
If Kendall is unable to find the right move in the remainder of this window, he will seek to impress at the Lincolnshire outfit.
The only competitions the Imps are still in are the Papa John’s Trophy and the League.
“As I featured for Sutton, I am cup tied.
“It is really gutting as I want to do well for this team but it is out of my hands all I can do is keep up the hard work.”
