Lincoln City have underlined their long-term squad strategy by activating a contract option to retain Zimbabwe international Tendayi Darikwa, securing the club captain as a central figure in their plans.
The contract extension locks Darikwa in at Lincoln City until June 2027, keeping the Zimbabwean captain at the heart of the Imps’ defence and providing stability as the club looks to build a competitive squad for the coming seasons.
Darikwa has been a cornerstone of the Imps’ back line since arriving in July 2024, racking up 80 appearances and delivering 17 goal contributions from right-back.
His attacking output was on full display in the recent league win over Peterborough United, where he scored twice. The 32-year-old swept both the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards in his debut season before being handed the captain’s armband last summer.
Lincoln have also moved to safeguard midfield lynchpin Conor McGrandles, now in his second spell at the club. McGrandles has clocked up 175 appearances across all competitions since first signing in 2020 and has been one of the side’s most reliable performers in the 2025–26 campaign, missing just one league fixture.
Winger Reeco Hackett is the third key figure earmarked for retention. Hackett enjoyed a strong festive period, scoring in wins over Stockport County and Peterborough United, and has made 98 competitive appearances over three seasons, with his current form widely regarded as the best of his Lincoln career.
Sporting director Jez George said the club’s approach in the January window is about strengthening without destabilising the core of the squad, stressing that Darikwa, McGrandles and Hackett are “fundamental” to Lincoln’s ambitions as they head into the second half of the season.
“All three of the above fall into that bracket, all have been instrumental in our season to date, and all have a massive role to play for the remainder of this season. Therefore, the club wanted to show them our commitment and provide them with certainty about their contracts beyond the end of this season before we embark on the second half of the season.
“Following discussions with their respective representatives, we are delighted that we are all on the same page. We know the magnitude of the challenge ahead and we also know that Tendayi, Conor and Reeco are fundamental in what we are aiming to achieve.”
