Ben Hammond has completed a Lincolnshire switch after leaving Nottingham Forest, with Boston United confirming the midfielder has signed a two-year deal.
The 22-year-old becomes the Pilgrims’ 10th signing of a busy summer, making the move to the Jakemans Community Stadium after more than a decade at the City Ground. Hammond spent 13 years with Forest, progressing through the junior and youth ranks before becoming established in their reserve setup.
Although he did not make a senior first-team appearance for Forest, Hammond did feature for the club’s Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy. He also made more than 100 appearances for Forest B, and was included in Europa League matchday squads against Sturm Graz, Braga and Ferencvaros last season.
Hammond spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Northampton Town, gaining his first taste of senior football away from Forest. He now drops into the National League with Boston, who have been active throughout the summer as they prepare for the new season.
The midfielder is capable of playing in the middle of the park, while reports have also described him as an option at centre-half. That flexibility adds another body to Paul Hurst’s squad, with Boston having already brought in Gavan Holohan, Nicholas Pozo, Kai Mauro, Terrell Agyemang, George Ward, Jack Holmes, Connor McBride and Lewis Shipley before Hammond’s arrival.
The move also comes after defender Michael Kelly left Boston by mutual consent. The 28-year-old joined from Scunthorpe United last summer, but spent the second half of last season on loan at National League North side Chester FC and departs after making 11 appearances for the Pilgrims.
Boston have also added Sheffield United goalkeeper Luke Faxon, who has joined on an initial loan until January 4. The 21-year-old will compete with Louis Chadwick for the number one shirt.
Imps First Opponents
The Pilgrims squad will get a run out this weekend, as Lincoln City travel to South Lincolnshire for the first of our pre-season friendly matches. In what is becoming a regular occurrence, the Imps will get one of their earliest outings against the Pilgrims, having won 7-0 there a couple of seasons ago, and been beaten 5-0 the year before.