Lincoln City face a decision over goalkeeper Jamie Pardington, who has returned to the club following the conclusion of his loan spell with Oxford City.
The 25-year-old spent the past month with the National League North side, who are currently involved in a relegation battle. Pardington featured regularly during his time with the Hoops and made a positive impression, providing stability at the back during a challenging period for the club.
Oxford released a short statement, thanking both player and club for the loan.
“Everyone at Oxford City would like to thank Jamie for his efforts whilst with us here at The MGroup Stadium.
“We’d like to thank Lincoln for facilitating the loan and wish them the best in their promotion efforts.”
Pardington made an immediate impact after arriving in Oxford, producing a man-of-the-match performance and keeping a clean sheet in an away victory against Marine. That shutout was one of two clean sheets he recorded during his spell, underlining his contribution despite the short-term nature of the loan.
The Oxford City move was Pardington’s third loan spell since joining Lincoln City. Earlier in 2025, he spent time with Peterborough Sports, where he also kept a clean sheet, before a brief spell with AFC Telford United, during which he featured once in the FA Cup.
Pardington joined Lincoln City in June 2024 on a two-year contract and has since been used primarily as cover, alongside gaining experience through non-league loans. His wider career has included spells with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Grimsby Town, Larne and Cheltenham Town, as well as numerous loan moves across the National League system.
At senior level, Pardington has made three EFL appearances to date, two during a loan spell at Mansfield Town and one for Grimsby Town, alongside further experience in the EFL Trophy.
Pardington’s next step
With his return to LNER Stadium, Lincoln City now face a decision on Pardington’s next step, whether that involves remaining with the first-team group or arranging a further loan to continue his development during the second half of the season.
The 25-year-old has yet to play for the Imps in the EFL, and he’s behind George Wickens and Zack Jeacock in the pecking order. If he’s been recalled, there must be a plan, but whether that is a loan, sale, or to act as cover while Jeacock gets minutes, remains to be seen.