In an “early Christmas present” for Lincoln City supporters, Lewis Montsma has signed a new deal.
The defender has penned a phased, multi-year contract extension which could keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.
This comes as reward for an impressive return to action following his serious knee injury in March 2023, having now made 13 senior appearances this season.
The Dutch centre-back first moved to Lincolnshire in the summer of 2020, but was due to be out of contract in January after signing an original short-term deal during the most recent off-season.
He said: “It has been a long road but the club have shown a lot of trust in me and, with some real hard work, it has worked out.
“I’ve had a lot of help to get here from everyone at the club, particularly the medical team, along with my family and the supporters. I’ve not been available as much as I’d have liked but everyone has been right behind me.
“Easing me back into it with one game a week was right for me and I feel I am getting back to my best. I feel fitter and better after every game, and just want to keep this run going.
“The club and fans have stuck right behind me – we know the potential in this group and I’m really looking forward to what is ahead.”
Montsma even secured an assist in Lincoln’s victory over Reading, helping City on their way to a comfortable win.
Jez George, the Imps director of football, added: “This is a momentous day for Lewis and his family. It is also testament to his incredible hard work, resilience, determination and character. Lewis’s mental toughness has been incredible to witness and this contract means that we now have time to help Lewis get back to his very best in a Lincoln City shirt.
“It is also huge credit to our medical and sports science department for the meticulous way in which they have approached his rehab, his re-integration back into team training and then playing, from increasing minutes in pre-season, to cup fixtures, to playing a multiple number of 90 minutes in League One.
“We will still need to control Lewis’s minutes this season, and Michael’s commitment to following medical recommendations regarding Lewis’s availability has been incredible. It is testament to the culture of our club that we refuse to put Lewis’s career at risk for a single result despite the recent unavailability of other centre-backs.
“I am sure this will be the perfect Christmas present for all Imps fans who can now look forward to watching Lewis throughout 2025 and beyond.”