A busy week for Lincoln City continues, as the club announce the departure of one goalkeeper and the signing of another.
First, they revealed that young shot-stopper Zach Jeacock had joined the SkyBet League One side after his exit from Birmingham City.
Then, it was announced that Sam Long had left the Imps in a permanent switch to SkyBet League Two new-boys Bromley.
One In…
Jeacock has signed a two-year deal with Lincoln City, with the club having an option for a further year.
The 23-year-old joined Birmingham as an eight-year-old boy, but left the Blues this summer following their relegation from the Championship. He exited the club by mutual consent after making four first-team appearances.
The former England youth international gained first-team experience during a trio of loan spells away from St. Andrews, at Stourbridge Swifts, Gloucester City and Salford City. For the latter, he made four appearances in League Two and the Papa Johns Trophy.
Jeacock becomes Lincoln’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window.
Speaking to the club website, director of football Jez George said: “We have signed Zach because we see him as a potential future No.1 goalkeeper. He has a really good pedigree, played for England U19s and made his debut for Birmingham City in the Championship at just 19. Having left there in January, he trained with us for a week last season and impressed goalkeeping coach Scott Fry with his ability, mentality and potential.
“Zach will train with us throughout pre-season and then we will find a loan that can provide him with a platform to play 40+ games at the best possible level.”
Another Exits…
Going the opposite way through the door at Lincoln City, former scholar Sam Long has made a permanent switch away from the LNER Stadium.
He joined the Imps aged 16, and earned his first professional contract in 2020. His debut came the following year in a Papa Johns Trophy game against Manchester United under-21s.
Long’s league debut came later in the 2021/22 season, with a 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle.
The 21-year-old has also spent time out on loan at Gainsborough Trinity, Drogheda United, Bromley and Falkirk during his time with the Imps, but will now return to Hayes Lane permanently.
Under the Rader Business from Lincoln City – Opinion:
Lincoln City have added smart additions across the park this summer, already. Zach Jeacock is a goalkeeper with potential, and someone who Birmingham trusted enough to give almost a handful of Championship appearances to.
He is coming in as a number three, behind Lukas Jensen and another new-signing Jamie Pardington. Reading the words of Jez George, he will be sent out on loan ahead of the upcoming season.
On Sam Long, he is a product of the Imps’ youth academy, and will likely rack up more appearances through a permanent move elsewhere. Bromley have got themselves a ‘keeper with potential, and someone who helpfully has previous experience with the club.