When the team dropped for the first Lincoln City friendly of the season, there was an unusual name at number 28: Jack Thompson.
Named as a trialist on the club’s media, it was confirmed shortly after that the player was Thompson. Some tried to Google Lens his image, and suggested we’d taken Zak Bradshaw back on trial! We haven’t.
Who is Thompson? He is a central defender who joined the Nottingham Forest academy as a young teenager in 2019. He signed professional terms ahead of the 2023/24 season and became a regular for the club’s B Team, making close to 100 appearances across all competitions.
Thompson was appointed B Team captain for the 2025/26 campaign, establishing himself as an important figure at the heart of the defence. His performances also earned him regular opportunities to train with the senior squad, while he was named as an unused substitute for four Europa League fixtures against Sturm Graz, Malmö, Braga and Ferencváros.
ℹ️ Our trialist today is central defender Jack Thompson. https://t.co/JBiZmM34zu
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) July 11, 2026
The defender joined Barrow on an initial loan in January 2026, marking his first move away from the City Ground. The deal included the possibility of becoming permanent in the summer, offering Thompson the chance to gain his first senior Football League experience. He made eight league starts for Barrow, with a further two appearances as a substitute, as they were relegated from the Football League.
The deal did not become permanent, and the 21-year-old was released by Forest at the end of last season. He is still a free agent, and that’s led him to the door of the Imps.
He put himself about well in the first half against Boston, but was withdrawn after 45 minutes, as were the entire starting XI. However, it is my understanding that while he is training with the Imps, keeping fit and remaining in the shop window, a deal is not being actively pursued at this time.
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