Lincoln City duo Jovon Makama and Hayden Cann have teamed up with their academy manager Tom Shaw at his new club Gainsborough Trinity on season long loan deals.
Makama, 17, is an attacking player who can operate anywhere across the front line, as well as in an advanced midfield position and offers a great threat going forward with his combination of pace and strength.
Cann, 18, is primarily a central defender but can also operate as a defensive midfielder and has been the captain of the under 18 side at Lincoln City.
Since joining the Holy Blues as first team manager alongside his role as Professional Development Phase Coach at Lincoln, Shaw has used his link to the League One side to bolster his squad.
The young players will join a squad who will be competing in the Northern Premier League, which is the 7th tier of English football.
The double signing makes it three arrivals for Gainsborough in the space of two days after Portuguese midfielder, Joao Antonio Soares Rangel signed on Tuesday.
Makama and Cann played in Trinity’s final pre-season game in a 4-1 victory away at Northern Premier League Division One side Pontefract Collieries.
Fellow Imps youngster, 17-year-old forward Freddie Draper has also been involved in Trinity’s pre-season campaign, whilst the new loanees will join a familiar face in former academy teammate, midfielder Gianluca Bucci.
The pair have been impressive in the last two years in the FA Youth Alliance and have both signed their first professional contracts within the last year. Cann signed in October 2020 before making his debut against Mansfield Town in the EFL trophy, and Makama signed in May 2021.
Both players were involved in Michael Appleton’s pre-season featuring a number of times, with Makama being included in the matchday squad in the Carabao Cup 1st round at Shrewsbury Town.
Director of Football at Lincoln City, Jez George said: “These loans are an opportunity for Hayden and Jovon to gain valuable experience at a senior level which will be far more beneficial to them than playing in our youth side on Saturdays”.
Both players will be available for Shaw in their first game of the season this Saturday at The Northolme against Cheshire side, Whitton Albion. The players will also be eligible to play in the FA Youth Cup for Lincoln City Academy throughout the season.
Jez George added his well wishes towards Jovon and Hayden for their time at the Holy Blues.