City Capture Versatile League One Defender

Lincoln City have secured the signature of Tom Hamer for an undisclosed fee from Burton Albion.

Hamer can operate anywhere across the back-line, although he has been mostly used at right-back throughout his career so far. Despite being just 24 years old, Hamer is an experienced campaigner in the EFL, having played 135 times in League One and 77 times in League Two during lengthy spells with Oldham Athletic and Burton.

Hamer is an attacking threat in a system with wing-backs but can also comfortably operate in a four at the back. He’s also been used at centre-half throughout his time at Burton, and if Michael Skubala continues to operate with the same system he used in the 2023/24 campaign, we could see Hamer deployed as a right-sided central defender, with a license to get forward and create an overload down the right side. He could be deployed in a number of positions as he’s extremely versatile and in the modern game that’s very important, especially for a club with a smaller budget like us. It’s also worth nothing that Hamer has a long throw, which was a key fixture for City last season in advanced positions. 

City have recently signed Tendayi Darikwa to strengthen the right side of defence, with Lasse Sorensen departing, while Jay Benn featured in the 1-0 victory against Preston North End. With the right side looking strong, the arrival of Hamer could be similar to Jack Burroughs last season – a player with the ability to play on both sides of the back five to increase the depth of the squad.

Hamer doesn’t just add depth, he adds lots of quality to the squad and is an established League One footballer, with plenty of quality and potential to become a Championship regular in the future, whether that’s with the Imps or elsewhere like we’ve seen with the likes of Tayo Edun and Lukas Jensen.

Tom said: “I’m really pleased to get the deal done. I been speaking to Jez George and Michael Skubala and I’m happy to get it over the line. I’m someone who works hard and give 100%. I am quite quick, decent in the air and also like to put a challenge in.”

Head coach Skubala added: “Tom is a player that really suits how we want to play as a defensive unit. He fits our profile for an outside centre back, he’s a great age, has played 200+ games and we also believe has plenty more to come in his development as a player. 

“Tom is also a real warrior on the pitch, has an ‘old school’ defender’s mentality and a really useful long throw, which will give us another attacking threat.”