Academy Graduate Signs New Deal and Departs On Loan

Credit: Chris Vaughan/Lincoln City FC

The Imps announced this morning that academy graduate Hayden Cann has signed a new one-year deal with the club before heading out on loan to further his development.

Hayden has extended his current deal with the club, meaning he will stay until at least the summer of 2024. Many expected the young defender to leave the club in the summer, with the ‘Lincoln lad’ having turned 19 in 2022 and only featuring in two competitive matches in the EFL Trophy during his time with the club. However, his name popped up on the retained list this summer and it was revealed that he had been offered and had accepted a new deal, but it was awaiting league approval. We’ve now had confirmation that the deal has gone through and the next stage of his development will be joining Vanarama National League North side Peterborough Sports on a season-long loan. 

The central defender makes the move following a successful loan spell, that saw him flourish, at fellow Lincolnshire side Gainsborough Trinity last season, as they reached the play-offs of the PitchingIn Northern Premier League. He’s also had loan moves with Lincoln Utd and an earlier spell with Gainsborough.

City’s director of football Jez George spoke very highly of Hayden upon the announcement of his new deal: “Hayden epitomises all the qualities we value at Lincoln City.  He is dedicated, selfless and has continued to develop as a first-year pro after completing his scholarship, playing 40+ games in step 3 and securing a loan at a level higher for this season. He is also a fantastic role model for a lot of really talented local young players within our academy, having started his journey at Lincoln City at eight years old.”

Peterborough Sports finished 15th in the Vanarama National League North last season, and they’ll be looking to push further up the table this season and potentially challenge for a top-half spot. The addition of Hayden adds some quality to their defence, not just in a defensive capacity but also his passing ability and tactical knowledge of the game, which we have seen throughout pre-season so far.

It’s certainly an interesting announcement. Hayden has been kept under contract much longer than some other players, who have had a similar development rate to him but the management and Jez obviously see things that we don’t see, like attitude off the pitch, training performances and in-depth statistics from previous loan spells. Many players have developed later in their careers after a few different spells in lower divisions, just look back to Jamie Vardy (the obvious one), and it seems the club are banking on Hayden continuing his upwards trend in his development by spending a season with Peterborough Sports.

I’d love Hayden to go and play for this football club, he’s a local lad and one that seems to really enjoy representing the club. I wish him all the luck this coming season, and hopefully, he comes back with plenty of games played and some more experience under his belt.