Lincoln City have triggered one-year contract extensions for Adam Jackson and Ben House ahead of the 2025/26 League One campaign.
Centre-back Jackson, who joined from Hibernian in 2019, will enter his sixth season at the club. The 31-year-old has made 164 appearances for the Imps, 143 of them in League One. Despite speculation about his future, he has impressed alongside Tom Hamer in the latter stages of the season.
Forward House, 25, has been retained despite a modest return of six goals during the campaign. He has now scored 22 times in 116 games for the club since arriving in January 2022. His most prolific campaign came in 2022/23, when he notched 12 league goals.
However, four players will be moving on after the expiry of their contracts.
Four players depart
Defender Jay Benn, 23, spent last season on loan at Bradford City, and previously impressed in the National League with Solihull Moors. Midfielder Ali Smith departs after a productive loan spell with AFC Wimbledon, where he registered six goals and two assists as the Dons reached the play-offs. Despite that form, a return to the Imps first team was never on the cards.
Striker Tyler Walker’s exit comes as little surprise. Injuries hampered the 28-year-old’s second spell with the club, and he failed to score in eight appearances across two seasons. He ended the current campaign at Wealdstone but suffered another setback during that loan spell.
Perhaps the most talked-about departure is that of Sam Clucas. The experienced midfielder signed in January and featured eight times, scoring once. The club confirmed it has offered him a route into coaching, but Clucas intends to continue his playing career elsewhere.
Lincoln are also in talks with captain Paudie O’Connor and promising full-back Sean Roughan, both out of contract this summer. Despite recent speculation, there is no confirmation of a deal being agreed for Roughan at this stage. The club retains domestic compensation rights if either player signs elsewhere due to their age.
Youngsters such as Zane Okoro are also in contract talks, with Lincoln continuing to ensure protection on academy-developed talent.
Writer’s View
This announcement is the first big step in what’s shaping up to be a busy summer at Sincil Bank. Retaining Jackson and House offers experience and stability in key areas, even if some fans might have expected a more ruthless refresh.
The exits of Benn and Smith were inevitable, while Walker’s second spell never really ignited. Clucas’ departure is perhaps more divisive—some felt he offered much-needed experience, others questioned the short-term nature of his deal.
Talks with O’Connor and Roughan remain pivotal. Keeping one—or both—would be a major statement as Lincoln look to push forward under Michael Skubala.
