Lincoln City have completed the signing of striker Jack Vale on a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers shortly before the summer transfer window closed.
The 22-year-old becomes the final signing of a busy transfer window linking up with Mark Kennedy’s side. However, the player arrives whilst recovering from a hamstring injury that could mean a few weeks before we get to see him don the red and white stripes.
It had been suggested that the club were hoping to conclude two deals today, one departure and one arrival. The proposed move for Hakeeb Adelukun to move on fell through but Jez George and the team were able to get the deal for Jack over the line.
Who is Jack Vale?
The 22-year-old is a product of the Blackburn Rovers academy, where he progressed through the youth ranks, enjoying two loan spells.
His first period away from the club was at League One Rochdale under then manager Brian Barry-Murphy. However he only managed three appearances for a total of 44 minutes before returning to Blackburn with little gained from the move. He then linked up with Halifax Town in the National League under current Barrow boss Pete Wild. The forward was only able to make 12 appearances, with the majority coming of the left wing but returned to the club in December that year.
He has remained at Blackburn since appearing 25 times for the club scoring twice. The majority of his goal scoring exploits have come in the clubs U21 set-up where he chipped in with an impressive haul of 24 goals and 12 assists in 53 appearances.
He has also been capped by Wales up to U21 level, but as yet has not made the step up to the senior team.
A good fit?
Firstly he isn’t just a striker, his ability to cover either wing or up front could prove vital as the Imps look to rest the current favoured options of Ben House, Reeco Hackett and Danny Mandroiu. It also allows Mark Kennedy to adjust mid game, perhaps going two up top or adjusting back to the single striker flanked by wingers in a more natural way than when he is forced to player Walker or House on the wing.
He is a pretty unproven talent, but isn’t that exactly the sort of player the club target? Players with talent, who are ready to kick start their career and move to the next level.
It might be some time before we see him, but hopefully the deal will be a “nice to have” as our forwards continue to play and perform to the highest level, rather than have to rush him back to attempt other options as we look for solutions.
Welcome Jack! UTI
Gary should be back from tomorrow!