The debate around which direction Danny is taking with the keepers has led some to speculate that Josh Vickers might be departing following his injury struggles.
That’s not the case, with the popular young keeper signing a new one-year deal, hot on the heels of a similar move for Jason Shackell.
Josh has shown himself to be a superb shot stopper with good distribution skills, but injury has blighted his Imps’ career. Since taking over as number one from Paul Farman, he’s had no fewer than three spells out of the side, the most recent seeing Matt Gilks come in to replace him.
The former Arsenal trainee has made 33 league starts in total for the club, the last of which came during the 2-2 draw with Swindon in January.
Vickers is a committed squad member, likeable and hard-working, but then which of the players can you not say that about? He fits the ethos perfectly and despite being side lined for two spells this season, he was still energetically celebrating the title win on Saturday.
“I enjoy Lincoln. I enjoy working under the staff here and we’ve got a great bunch of lads at a club that’s moving in the right direction and I just want to be part of that as much as I can,” Vickers told the official club site.
“One of the biggest things though is the fans. To be part of this here, is like being part of a massive community with them. We are all as one and they play a massive part in getting players here and of course players staying here.”
The big question that needs answering is his fitness and I believe the length of his contract means we’re going to see an additional keeper come in over the summer. It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s not Matt Gilks, but Danny won’t play risk with Vickers fitness this time around.
Grant Smith might find game time limited and I can see him going out on loan this season, with either Gilks or a loan replacement coming in and covering for Vickers, or with Vickers acting as cover for them.
Either way, the 23-year-old will be delighted to get a new deal over the line for next season.
On a busy day for contract renewals, is it worth asking who is next? Michael O’Connor? Matt Gilks? Big Rheady? or are we done, for now?