Imps Defender Pens New Deal – Then Ships Out On Loan

Credit Graham Burrell

19-year-old Hayden Cann has signed a new deal that will keep him with the club at least until the summer of 2024.

The centre-back, who has been with the club for a decade, will also get a chance for more first-team football this season,  as he will be joining National League North side Peterborough Sports on a season-long loan.

The switch to Lincoln Road comes following a successful loan spell with Gainsborough Trinity last year, as the Holy Blues reached the play-offs of the PitchingIn Northern Premier League.

Peterborough Sports, managed by former players Luke Steele and. Michael Gash, are an ambitious club who have risen through the ranks in recent seasons, winning five promotions in ten seasons. In their inaugural campaign in the National League North, they finished 14th.

Credit Graham Burrell

City’s director of football, Jez George, added: “Hayden epitomises all the qualities we value at Lincoln City. He is dedicated, selfless and has continued to develop as a first-year pro after completing his scholarship, playing 40+ games in step 3 and securing a loan at a level higher for this season.

“He is also a fantastic role model for a lot of really talented local young players within our academy, having started his journey at Lincoln City at eight years old.”

Cann impressed me in a brief cameo at Boston last week, especially in terms of his physicality. There’s no doubt the 16-year-old boy who signed his first deal with the club has grown into a man, and hopefully, another year playing at a higher level than before can help him continue to develop.