In-demand Lincoln defender Sean Raggett was impressed by Norwich City’s intentions for his career
Sean Raggett in action during Lincoln City's 0-0 draw with Luton Town at Sincil Bank. Picture by James Wilson/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: James Wilson/Focus Images Ltd
Setting out a clear plan for the future was a key part of what attracted defender Sean Raggett to sign for Norwich City.
A host of clubs, including Sunderland and West Ham, were keen on signing the giant defender from Lincoln City but it was the Canaries who won the race.
An integral part of that deal, having met the 23-year-old’s £350,000 release clause, was the centre-back being allowed to return to the Imps on loan until January and a sell-on clause.
“When I spoke to Norwich I got a really good vibe,” Raggett said.
“They had a clear plan for me, they showed exactly what they want from me, how they can improve me, where they see the club and me going, and I was just really impressed with the whole set-up and their plan for me.”
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Raggett was a key part of a phenomenal season for Lincoln, winning the National League title in style to end six years outside of the Football League.
That included reaching the FA Cup sixth round, thanks to Raggett’s late header in a giant-killing 1-0 win at Burnley in the fifth round, and he is relishing mixing it with defenders of the calibre of Timm Klose and Grant Hanley at Norwich.
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“These are established international footballers so it’s great for me,” he continued. “I’m sure I’ll learn so much from these kinds of players and that’s going to help my game massively, so I’m really excited.”
The former Gillingham trainee has managed to keep his focus with Lincoln despite his transfer and the prior speculation.
Raggett said: “I was just trying to leave it at the back of my mind and just let the clubs and my representatives deal with it because it was important that I was focused on my football. But as soon as it was done and I was back here, it was a big relief and I was really pleased to get it done.”
• Norwich City sign Sean Raggett from Lincoln City
The former Dover defender will get chances to train with the Canaries before his January return and is aware he still has plenty of work ahead of him
“I’m 23 so I’m looking to improve all the areas of my game, even the ones I would consider my strengths,” he added. “I would say my aerial ability, I’d back myself against anybody in the air really, I’m a tall lad so that’s one of my big strengths, but even that I’m looking to improve.”
• For a full scouting report of Raggett’s performance during Lincoln’s 0-0 draw with Luton yesterday, and the views of Lincoln boss Danny Cowley on his star defender, see tomorrow’s Eastern Daily Press or Norwich Evening News