Lincoln City have completed the signing of Coventry City defender Jack Burroughs on a season-long loan deal, but what can the Imps expect from their new man?
The 22-year-old has linked up with the League One side for the duration of the 2023/23 season, following an impressive breakthrough season with the Skyblues during the previous campaign.
Lincoln have been in the market for defensive reinforcements, following Harry Boyes’ return to Sheffield United and Regan Poole moving to Portsmouth.
Therefore, they have managed to secure the signature of the former Scotland U21s international from the Championship side, ahead of Saturday’s match against Wycombe Wanderers.
Burroughs is a product of the Coventry City Academy and has been with the club, since the age of six. He progressed through the youth sides before making his first-team debut in 2017 during an EFL Trophy match against Cheltenham Town.
After two successful loan spells in Non-League, Burroughs was loaned out to SPFL side Ross County but was never utilised properly. Instead, he was played in several positions, including a 45-minute spell as a centre forward during a league match against Rangers.
Last season, Burroughs broke into the first-team fold on a permanent basis, making 12 Championship appearances with five of those being starts. Arguably his best game was in November when he started against Watford in the league, managing to successfully out-battle international winger Ismaila Sarr, before being replaced by Todd Kane late on.
With that being said, let’s take a look at what the defender will bring to the Imps this season…
Versatility
Arguably one of his best assets, Jack Burroughs will be able to play in numerous different positions for Mark Kennedy’s men this season.
Naturally, Burroughs is a full/wing-back, operating on either side of the pitch. However, at youth level, the 22-year-old featured predominantly as a defensive midfielder, which is something that can only excite Mark Kennedy.
The addition of Burroughs will give the League One side the ability to make tactical changes during matches as well as giving them different cover options if/when required.
Desire to succeed
This may sound obvious, but Jack Burroughs will be moving to Sincil Bank to play regular football. Last season, he should have played more than he did and will be eager to show Mark Robins why he deserves to feature in the Championship.
Burroughs impressed in every appearance he made in the Championship last season and as a Coventry supporter, I am disappointed that he didn’t play more.
This will be the perfect fuel to bring to Mark Kennedy’s side, as he will have a real hunger and determination to succeed in League One, surrounded by several strong players including the chance to reunite with former teammate Tyler Walker.
Championship experience
With Lincoln City having the potential to be this season’s dark horse, the club will need to have players that know what it takes to succeed at the highest level and that’s something that Burroughs will bring to the club.
As I’ve said, Burroughs made 12 appearances in a Skyblues side that reached the Championship play-off final. He consistently performed against some of the division’s best players and he will be able to bring that ability to the club.
The Imps have already added the likes of Jaden Brown (Sheffield Wednesday), Tyler Walker (Coventry) and Ethan Hamilton (Ex Peterborough) who have all played in the Championship and Burroughs will continue the trend of adding higher quality experience into the League One side.
Improvement in the final third
If you look at Burrough’s statistics, you’ll notice that he didn’t contribute to a goal last season. However, the defender had a passing success rate of 74% in the second tier last season.
He also made 0.6 key passes per game, 0.8 long balls per game and had a couple of efforts on goal. Although this doesn’t appear exciting, for a young defender to have the confidence in the Championship to get forward and cause problems, shows a real excitement and desire to help his team in other areas.
Following Harry Boyes’ departure, Lincoln had to target full-backs that had the ability to make a difference in the final third as well as at the back. This is something that Burroughs will bring to the club and I am really excited to see how he performs.
It’s not only Jack on the move, click here to read about his brother’s latest transfer!
How do you think Jack Burroughs will get on at the club next season?
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