As reported an hour ago, the Imps have now completed the capture of left back Saxon Earley on a one-year loan from Plymouth Argyle.
It’s always been the intention to bring in cover on the left side of defence, and Earley can play left centre back as well, giving us a little more flexibility. It’s likely with Erik Ring vying for a place, Earley will be a back up in that position, looking to seize his chance if it comes.
Twenty-one-year-old Earley began his football journey with Norwich City, joining their ranks as a nine-year-old in 2011. He rose through the youth system and gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Stevenage in the 2022/23 season. During that campaign, he made 27 appearances, contributing to their second-place finish in League Two and their subsequent promotion.
He only spent the first half of the season with Stevenage, performing well enough to be recalled and subsequently sold to Plymouth in January 2023. At Plymouth, he played a role in their promotion, making nine appearances and scoring twice as they secured the League One title.
However, since their promotion, Earley has struggled for game time. Last season, he started just two matches for the Devon club and spent the latter half of the season on loan at Wycombe. Unfortunately, an ankle injury prevented him from appearing, sidelining him until pre-season.
Earley said: “I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club, spoken to a few people and no-one’s had a bad word to say, so I’m looking forward to getting going.
“I’m hungry, I want to play, I want to do well and most importantly I want to win. The club’s in a really good state and hopefully we can push it forward.
“I met the boys for the first time and they seem like a really good group of lads, I also met the coaching staff and everyone seems like they’re in a good place and I’m looking forward to getting underway and hitting the ground running.”
Head coach Michael Skubala said: “Saxon has some excellent attributes. He is aggressive, athletic and good technically. He will really add to our defensive options and we are delighted to have added him to the squad at the end of the transfer window.”
Director of football Jez George added: “We’ve had an interest in Saxon for two years, watched him extensively while he was on loan at Stevenage and monitored him since joining Plymouth.
“Saxon’s had a really tough year with two ankle injuries but he has successfully rehabbed from surgery and has completed a full pre-season, so he joins us ready to play. We have been looking for a versatile left footed defender all summer, who can add depth and competition for the squad in a couple of positions, and Saxon fits the bill perfectly. Just as importantly was Saxon’s desire to join us.”
Saxon’s signing concludes City’s transfer business for the summer window.
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