In March 2006 it was reported that Lincoln City are to hand a trial to former Norwich City midfielder Mark Baines.

Baines is a 21-year-old midfielder who is currently on the books of Ortonians. Ortonians play in the Peterborough League Premier Division - which is a world away from Football League Two! His love of the game means that he also turns out for Royal Oak, of the Peterborough Sunday League.

Baines told the Peterborough Evening Telegraph: "Lincoln's interest came right out of the blue. Someone from the club saw me play and recommended me and the next thing I knew I'd been invited to play for their reserves. That was supposed to take place last Wednesday, but the game was postponed. They've promised me another game and then it will be down to me. I've no idea whether or not I'll be good enough, but I have nothing to lose by having a go."

Baines joined Norwich City as a 10-year-old but later drifted into the non-league scene. He played for the youth teams of Yaxley and St. Ives, Alconbury and Eye United before joining Ortonians.

Baines, despite the huge gulf between League Two and the Peterborough League Premier Division, is attracting interest from other professional clubs. Boston United and Peterborough United have also expressed an interest in Baines, who is rated as one the best players in his league. He scored more than 20 goals for Ortonians from midfield, including the winner of the Peterboroug Football Association Senior Cup.

Information taken from: http://www.theimp.lincolnfans.co.uk/news1159.shtml

In June 2006, Mark was invited to train with Wisbech Town.