Hayden Cann has become the latest Lincoln City Academy Scholar to sign professional terms with the club.
Hayden, who turned 17 last week, put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club he supported as a boy and admitted it’s a real honour to be able to do so. But the young defender admits that this moment is just a signpost that his toughest test is yet to come.
“I’ve dreamt of this day ever since training here (for the first time) when I was eight. I’ve always wanted to play here. Coming all the way through (the age groups) and then being able to get a pro deal means so much but I know there’s still loads of work to do.”
Hayden agrees that after seeing his fellow scholars, Sean Roughan and Sam Long, recently signing professional terms with the club it just highlights there is a pathway and a real opportunity to develop further as players and people at Lincoln City.
“There definitely is, with the environment created at the club, and what the club wants to do with developing home-grown players is all good for all the scholars. You have to take all the opportunities that you can get.” Hayden said.
The Imps’ Director of Football, Jez George, says that Hayden’s progression is a real example of what can be achieved with the right attitude and application in what has been a remarkable year or so for the local youngster.
“Hayden has made incredible progress over the last 18 months and we are delighted that he has signed his first professional contract at his home town club. Hayden’s journey, with Lincoln City from 8 years old, is one that we want to see replicated many times over in the future and one that we hope provides an inspiration for many local youngsters within our Academy.” Jez said.
“Hayden excelled in our Youth Team last season, before even starting his scholarship, and since leaving school and joining us on a full-time basis this summer, his progress has accelerated still further. This culminated in several first team appearances in pre-season, including 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest U23’s, where he impressed Michael and the first team coaching staff.
“Hayden has an incredible focus, desire and maturity for his age. He has all the attributes required as a centre back, huge potential and the mentality to match his ability. We have a clear development pathway for him and really look forward to helping Hayden on the next steps of his journey as he aims to achieve all his aspirations with Lincoln City.”
HAYDEN CANN Home and Away kits sponsored by - Rob Bradley - Red Imps Community Trust