Danny Cowley highlighted the importance of the relationship at board level between the Imps and Everton as being a key factor of being able to bring Callum Connolly to Sincil Bank.
The U20 World Cup winner signed for the Imps on Thursday for a season-long loan spell from Marco Silva’s Everton side, who had defeated the Imps in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup at Sincil Bank on Wednesday night.
Connolly had previously had loan spells in the Sky Bet Championship, and was set for that level again on Deadline Day, but the deal fell through. Danny revealed that the combination of this and the positive relationships between both Boards allowed the Toffees to send the versatile defender to Lincoln City.
“He was all set up to go out on loan to the Championship on their Deadline Day, which fell through, and thankfully our relationship with Everton and board level has allowed this to happen,” Danny said.
“We have to credit Clive and the board for their relationship, because I think without that, this may not have happened.”
Connolly made his Everton debut in the 2015/16 season, but has since impressed at loan spells with Wigan Athletic, and most recently Bolton Wanderers, and has nearly 100 Championship appearances next to his name at the age of 21.
“He’s a boy who’s had some good loan experiences in the Champinoship with Wigan and Bolton,” Danny added.
“He has done very well in all his loan spells.”
Callum was part of the England U20 squad that helped the men’s setup win their first major trophy since 1966, and backed that up the following year by triumphing in the Toulon Tournament with the U21s, playing in a variety of positions along the way.
“He’s incredibly versatile, and can play with either foot. He’s played for England U21s at right-back, left-back, and in central midfield,” Danny said.
“He’s athletic with good mobility, good pitch coverage, arrives late in the box and is good aerially as well. Being a good all-round footballer means he can play in different positions.”
The signing of the Toffees’ youngster boosts the Imps’ squad to 20 senior members, and Danny believes the attitude and versatility of his latest signing will help him slot in with his current squad.
“We’re very lucky to have him as a player and a person, we’re delighted to have got him and he’ll complement our very good group.
“It massively helps having versatile players as a small squads. The versatility is very important to the group. He has a fantastic attitude and application, and a down to earth boy, and is a pleasure to have in the building.”
Callum is available for selection this weekend as City host Fleetwood Town in the final fixture of August. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
