Lincoln City have signed left-back, Callum Elder on a free transfer from Derby County.
Elder’s move to Sincil Bank comes after he scored one goal in 86 appearances across three seasons at the Rams, which included promotion from League One to Championship at end of 2023-24 season, during which he made two appearances against the Imps in that campaign.
Elder has since monitored Lincoln City’s progress and is excited to make the move which will become official on 1 July once his contract at Derby expires at the end of 30 June, with the Imps making their return to the second tier after a 65-year absence.
“The football club has made fantastic progress over the past 12 months, both on and off the pitch, so it’s an exciting time to join Lincoln City and I’m really pleased to be here.
“I had some really good conversations with Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw. You could see their commitment to the project, their attention to detail, and their belief in what the club is trying to build. For them to believe that I am someone who can help to take the club forward is really exciting for me. I can’t wait to give everything I have to help achieve that.
“The facilities are excellent. The Gen2 Energy Elite Performance Centre is outstanding, and there are further improvements planned as well. Seeing everything that’s already in place gives me real excitement about what can be achieved this season.”
The 31 year-old also teased that fans can expect to see him energetically playing on the left flank and committed to helping the Imps stay in the Championship.
“I’m a committed player and I like to get up and down the pitch as a full-back. I’ve spoken to a few of the lads I already know here, like Sonny Bradley and James Collins, and they’ve talked about the commitment of every player, and I saw that myself watching the team last season.
“I’m excited to join a group of players with that mentality and, with the belief that’s already in the squad, I think we can achieve some good things this season. For the squad to go on the unbeaten run they did last season is a testament to the players and the commitment they’ve shown. If we can replicate that level of commitment, it can take you a long way in this division.
“Of course you need quality as well, but there’s plenty of quality in that changing room. I’m really excited to become part of it and play my role in what we’re trying to achieve this season.”
Joint Head Coach, Tom Shaw added that he and Chris Cohen are “delighted” to welcome Elder and hope that he can challenge Adam Reach plus Ryley Towler in the left-back position, whilst offering something different tactically to those two players.
“He is slightly different in how he plays the role, so this gives us tremendous left-footed balance for our defensive options, which is something we felt was important in constructing the overall squad profile.”
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