Lincoln United manager Scott Hellewell has revealed his “shock” when he found out that captain Callum Foster would exit the club this summer.
The now former club captain was one of nine players released in The Whites’ annual retained list, as he joins step four side Cleethorpes Town.
Speaking to The Linc, Hellewell said: “I think the big shock was probably Fozzy going to Cleethorpes. But, then again, you can’t argue with him. He’s going a step up to a team that will be pushing for promotion. I know Cleethorpes quite well, I know a few of the people behind the scenes, and a few of the players. It’s a very good side, and a very good set-up, who are desperately trying to get out of that league.”
Fellow defenseman, and former Gainsborough Trinity man, Michael Jacklin has also left Ashby Avenue. He and Foster have been swiftly replaced by the new management team, as Tom Hipwell and Henry Moore both signed for the club.
The Lincoln gaffer said: “There was always going to be a couple that leaves. Jaffa [Michael Jacklin], for example, he’d already agreed to go to Grimsby Borough.
“We knew Jaffa was going to go before we even took the job. With him and Fozzy going out, we’ve got two coming in. I don’t think you could’ve replaced them with a better two really.”
Among the other names leaving Lincoln United was last term’s player of the season Mitch Griffiths.
Hellewell explained: “Mitch wants to go into management, so I think he’s taken up a role somewhere else. And, with a few of the other lads, they want to play regular football, there were a few of them who maybe didn’t play too much last season.”
There was some confusion over the situation surrounding Matt Cotton, who was originally put on the club’s released list. It has become clear that he has returned to Australia on his travels. The Linc understands that he is expected back in the new year, and will then potentially re-join Lincoln United.
The new management team have signed eight players ahead of the upcoming season, adding both more youth and more experience to the squad.
“We’ve brought a few experienced lads in, and even the young lads, they’re not coming straight out of academy football, they have experience as well. It’s vital that we have brought that experience in to go with the young lads that are at the club already, who have played numerous games at this level,” Hellewell said.
He added: “Hopefully the blend of the squad that we have got will stand us in good stead ahead of the season.”
Lincoln’s pre-season campaign kicks-off on Tuesday, July 2, with a trip to Appleby Frodingham.
Feature Image Credit: Ed Mayes Photography