Lewis Montsma has signed a phased, multi-year contract extension which could keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.
Montsma has made an impressive return following his serious knee injury in March 2023, having now made 13 senior appearances this season, culminating in his superb assist for Reeco Hackett’s goal this weekend against Reading.
The talented Dutch centre-back first moved to Lincolnshire in the summer of 2020, and burst onto the scene with a debut goal against Crewe in the EFL Trophy. By October, he already had six of his 11 Imps goals in the bag, and he finished the season with nine as we narrowly missed out on the Championship.
The following season, his injury hell started. After a solid start to a challenging season, he picked up the first of his Imps ACL injuries, the second of his career, in our 2-0 win against Oxford United. 13 months later he returned for eight games, picking up a suspension for an off the ball incident against Bristol Rovers, before suffering a third career ACL injury against Fleetwood. He missed all of the 2023/24 season, but was back on the grass over the summer.
He was awarded a short-term deal to give him a chance to get fit, and it’s fair to say he’s grasped his chance with both hands. His recent performances have been close to those we saw in 2020/21, and still only 26, he’s a msssive asset. He is also delighted to be remaining at the club.
“It has been a long road but the club have shown a lot of trust in me and, with some real hard work, it has worked out.
“I’ve had a lot of help to get here from everyone at the club, particularly the medical team, along with my family and the supporters. I’ve not been available as much as I’d have liked but everyone has been right behind me.
“Easing me back into it with one game a week was right for me and I feel I am getting back to my best. I feel fitter and better after every game, and just want to keep this run going.
“The club and fans have stuck right behind me – we know the potential in this group and I’m really looking forward to what is ahead.”
Director of football Jez George added:
“This is a momentous day for Lewis and his family. It is also testament to his incredible hard work, resilience, determination and character. Lewis’s mental toughness has been incredible to witness and this contract means that we now have time to help Lewis get back to his very best in a Lincoln City shirt.
“It is also huge credit to our medical and sports science department for the meticulous way in which they have approached his rehab, his re-integration back into team training and then playing, from increasing minutes in pre-season, to cup fixtures, to playing a multiple number of 90 minutes in League One.
“We will still need to control Lewis’s minutes this season, and Michael’s commitment to following medical recommendations regarding Lewis’s availability has been incredible. It is testament to the culture of our club that we refuse to put Lewis’s career at risk for a single result despite the recent unavailability of other centre-backs.
“I am sure this will be the perfect Christmas present for all Imps fans who can now look forward to watching Lewis throughout 2025 and beyond.”
Happy Christmas, City fans – Lewis is well and truly back!
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