May 29, 2020 11.00 am This story is over 45 months old

Imps to lose key players at end of the season

Club captain and a few fan favourites won’t be signing new contracts

By Local Democracy Reporter

Lincoln City has announced its retained players list for the 2020/21 season, with popular names not signing new contracts for next year.

Notable players leaving the club in the summer include captain Lee Frecklington, fan favourite Michael Bostwick and first choice goalkeeper Josh Vickers.

Former Premier League players Neal Eardley and Jason Shackell will also be heading out the door at the LNER Stadium.

First team regulars Joe Morrell, Jake Hesketh and Liam Bridcutt, amongst others, will also be returning to their parent clubs after loan spells with the Imps.

In a statement released by the club, a spokesperson explained that COVID-19 has ultimately played a factor in the decision.

“Due to the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in, it has made making any positive decisions around out of contract players impossible at this time.

“The club would like to express our sincere thanks to all those players who will leave us in the coming weeks and wish them a successful future.”

The 19 year-old academy graduate Ellis Chapman is currently in discussions with the club about a new deal.

A new contract would see the teenager become Lincoln’s second longest serving player, behind winger Harry Anderson, as the Imps prepare for a rebuild under manager Michael Appleton.

The full retained list can be found here.

In other football news, the Premier League has been announced to return on June 17.