Lincoln City goalkeeper Jamie Pardington is set to join AFC Telford United on loan as he looks to gain valuable first-team experience.
The 25-year-old has found opportunities limited at the LNER Stadium this season, with George Wickens and Zach Jeacock ahead of him in the pecking order. Wickens has held the league spot, while Jeacock has featured in cup competitions, leaving Pardington without competitive minutes since the summer. His omission from the official EFL squad list, despite featuring in the club’s recent squad photograph, hinted that a temporary move was on the cards.
Jamie Pardington At Lincoln City
Pardington joined Lincoln in the summer of 2024 on a 2-year deal after leaving Cheltenham Town. His arrival was part of the club’s long-term goalkeeping rebuild, but regular action has proved hard to come by since. A move to Telford, currently battling to climb the National League North table, offers him the chance to regain rhythm and showcase his ability at senior level.
The Birmingham-born keeper began his career at Rushall Olympic before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018. During his time at Molineux, he was a regular in the Under-23s setup and gained senior exposure through loans at Bath City, Stratford Town, Dulwich Hamlet and Mansfield Town. Pardington left Wolves in 2022 and signed a short-term deal with Grimsby Town, before moving to Northern Irish Premiership side Larne, where he made his debut on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign.
He returned to England with Cheltenham in 2023, making 1 League One appearance on the final day of the season before a productive loan spell at Truro City. Following his release that summer, Lincoln moved quickly to secure his signature, and he made his debut in the EFL Trophy against Manchester City Under-21s in November 2024. He later spent time on loan at Peterborough Sports in early 2025 to gain further match experience.
The move to Telford represents another opportunity for Pardington to continue his development in competitive surroundings and build momentum before returning to Sincil Bank later in the campaign.
Writer’s View
This is a sensible move for all parties. Pardington’s talent has been evident in flashes, but with 2 senior keepers ahead of him, his path to game time at Lincoln was always narrow. A spell with Telford provides the regular minutes that are essential for goalkeepers in their mid-20s, especially one who has already travelled a varied career path through non-league, the EFL, and even Northern Ireland.
If he performs well, this loan could serve as a useful reminder of his value within the Imps’ wider goalkeeping structure heading into 2025.
