After it was reported last week that SkyBet League One’s Lincoln City had won the race for Tom Bayliss, he has now signed for the club on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder left Shrewsbury at the end of his contract this summer, and attracted the interest of three League One clubs. Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic were also keen on the Salop man, but the Imps got the deal over the line.
Lincoln City’s Third Summer Signing:
Bayliss becomes Lincoln City‘s third summer addition, after Conor McGrandles signed on the dotted line for a third time with the Imps, and goalkeeper Jamie Pardington joined after his Cheltenham Town exit.
The club announced the signing of the ex-Salop man three days after fan-favourite wing-back Lasse Sorensen moved to Huddersfield Town for an undisclosed fee worth up to £500,000, according to BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Michael Hortin.
League One Experience:
Bayliss has played the majority of his more than 150 EFL games in the third tier, including the 71 appearances he made in the division across the previous two seasons. During his two campaigns with Shrewsbury, he scored ten and assisted nine all competition goals.
The former England under-19s international, previously played for Wigan Athletic, Coventry City, and in the Championship for Preston North End. He has won promotion out of both League One and League Two during his career.
A Good Addition – Opinion:
As I said in my article about the reports earlier in the week, Tom Bayliss will certainly strengthen the Lincoln City midfield. He is an experienced League One player, but still has age on his side at 25.
Alongside the two Ethans (Erhahon and Hamilton), re-signed Conor McGrandles and Irishman Jack Moylan, Bayliss provides added depth to the Imps midfield ranks.
With recent words from Imps CEO Liam Scully indicating that Ted Bishop and Danny Mandroiu will be “unlikely” to play in Lincoln colours next season, Bayliss is a worthy, and capable replacement in the centre of the park.