Lincoln City experienced a near-half overhaul of their defence during the summer window. One incoming has taken to life at the LNER Stadium seamlessly, offering experience and power in the back line.
The centre-back in question is Sonny Bradley. As a former Luton Town leader, the 33-year-old featured 175 times for the Hatters across two divisions – primarily in the Championship. In five appearances for the Imps, Bradley has already cemented himself as a key individual under Michael Skubala and has recently formed partnerships with Adam Jackson and Tom Hamer. The latter currently occupies the partnering role in a back four due to: Jackson’s suspension as well as a central shift after a predominant right-sided feature of last season’s back three.
With Ryley Towler offering a different profile to the departed Sean Roughan – who moved to Huddersfield Town this summer, a tactical change has been necessary. Paudie O’Connor’s move to Reading initially left Lincoln with a gaping hole in such an important area, but Bradley’s signature has immaculately replaced the Irishman.
Three wins into the new season has caused Bradley to feel right at home and is optimistic ahead of his latest campaign:
“I felt settled in pre-season after three or four weeks being here, so certainly after a few more games I feel even more at home – more time with the lads, more games, more sessions, there’s more bodies coming in and I feel good.
“I’m personally in a good place and I think that mirrors the position the squad are in, as a group we’re in a really good position.”
Tuesday night saw the Imps defeat Northampton Town, who are struggling to make an impact in League One so far. Bradley was an important back-line figure, maintaining a clean sheet alongside excellent performances from George Wickens and Tendayi Darikwa. The 33-year-old’s priority is to be defensively sound, with the occasional contribution at the attacking end:
“That’s ultimately my job to help the team get clean sheets. I’d like to chip in with a few goals as the season goes on but first and foremost it’s about not conceding chances and goals.
“Any game in League One, especially away from home, you’re going to get tested and it’s going to be a difficult game so to come through against Northampton with a clean sheet was brilliant. It gives us a platform to build on moving into a difficult game on Saturday.”
Writer’s View
Bradley doesn’t have the same length of career remaining as O’Connor, who has arguably taken a step down to Reading when considering their opening performances. The former Luton centre-back replaces him perfectly for now. With great strength and knowledge of higher divisions, Bradley’s outings have reflected a clear gulf in quality.
If Lincoln are to push for a play-off place once more, or solidify themselves as mid-table contenders again, the new defender will be a backbone in the attempt.
