Lincoln City have protected three of their promotion-winning players by agreeing new contracts with Freddie Draper, Reeco Hackett and Dom Jefferies.
The Imps have been working to strengthen their squad ahead of a first Championship season in 65 years, but their summer business has not been limited to bringing new faces into the ProAmpac Stadium.
Draper has signed the longest contract of the three, with the academy graduate now committed to City until the summer of 2030 after scoring seven league goals during last season’s title-winning campaign. The striker initially joined the club from Derby County as a scholar and developed through productive loan spells with Gainsborough Trinity, Drogheda United and Walsall. His time with the Saddlers proved particularly important, with ten goals during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign helping him return ready to compete for a regular place at Sincil Bank.
Hackett’s new agreement runs until 2029, rewarding a player who has contributed 23 goals across more than 100 appearances since joining from Portsmouth in the summer of 2023. He came through the youth system at Charlton Athletic after beginning his career with Dagenham and Redbridge, while his senior journey also included spells with Bromley, Portsmouth and Southend United.
Jefferies has signed until 2028, with an option for a further year, having played more than 70 times for the Imps and scored the winning goal away at former club Cardiff City last season. He developed with Cardiff City and Newport County before joining Brentford B, where he captained the team and was voted Players’ Player of the Year. He later made 71 appearances for Gillingham and should benefit from a full pre-season this summer after an operation disrupted his preparations 12 months ago.
The deals ensure City retain three players who have already demonstrated their value to the first-team squad, while also providing greater protection over their potential future transfer value.
Sporting director Jez George confirmed that contract discussions had formed a significant part of the club’s work alongside attempts to recruit further additions.
“We know that we need to add to the squad and we are working 24/7 to do that. We know the season starts on Saturday, and our first season in the second tier of English football kicks off with one of the hardest possible opening fixtures at play-off finalists Middlesbrough the weekend after.
“But all summer, as well as trying to identify and sign players that can enhance the group, which is an ongoing process, we have also worked hard to tie down players across the squad to protect their potential asset value. We are delighted to have now secured Freddie, Reeco and Dom on longer contracts.
“They all created memorable moments last season, and they will all have an important role to play for Lincoln City this season and in the future.”
The three renewals offer City welcome continuity before the step up to the Championship, while ensuring several important members of the title-winning squad remain under the club’s control for the longer term.