Holdsworth eases Lincoln City's defensive worries by sealing triple move

David Holdsworth has eased concerns over the lack of defensive cover by completing a double swoop for Tom Miller and Dan Gray.

The Imps boss has moved quickly to snare the duo while also offering a deal to Portuguese midfield prospect Geoffrey Gouveia.

Miller and Gray have both signed one-year deals and are both expected to feature in the club's Community Day friendly against Gainsborough.

Holdsworth was delighted to land the duo, particularly Miller, who was outstanding for Lincoln in the final stages of last season.

"Dan has done ever so well for us since being on trial and looks a very good prospect," he said.

"He has settled in very well and I am really pleased to have brought him into the club.

"Dan is very versatile in the fact he can play in the centre of midfield or in defence.

"As for Tom, I'm absolutely thrilled he has come back to join us.

"Everybody knows how much I rate him and I have had to be very patient in trying to get him in through the door.

"He has had a lot of interest, but I've kept tabs on him throughout the summer.

"He is a player I admire and someone who brings important qualities to the squad.

"He was exceptional for us at the back end of last season and I am delighted he is here."

Miller played eight games for Lincoln and inspired them in their fight against relegation scoring a crucial goal in the 2-1 win against Hayes.

The 22-year-old had been courted by League Two Dagenham, but they never followed up their interest.

The former Rangers youngster, who played in the same Gers team as ex-Imp Steven Lennon, is expected to challenge for a centre-back spot.

Gray, meanwhile, has been on trial with Lincoln since the start of pre-season and has started every game so far.

He was released by Chesterfield at the end of the season having played 45 games for the Spireites.

Gray is at home in the centre of midfield, but can also play centre-back and right-back.

Little is know about Gouveia, but he has been playing football in America.

He is a midfield player, but Holdsworth is seeing him as a long-term project rather than somebody who will challenge for a first-team spot immediately.

Meanwhile, Andrew Boyce is relishing the opportunity of facing his former club Gainsborough this weekend.

The Imps play the Blues as part of the club's Community Day celebrations at Sincil Bank.

Boyce only left the Blues for the Imps at the end of May for a fee that will be decided by a tribunal next month.

And he believes Trinity will provide Holdsworth's side with one of the toughest assignments of pre-season.

"I went to watch them against Mansfield and they did very well," he said.

"You would have struggled to know which team was from the Conference Premier.

"They bopped it about well and it's the best I've seen them play to be honest with me in the side or not.

"They seem to be doing a lot better since I left.

"But seriously they looked very useful. It will be good to play them because they will give us a very tough game."