Former Lincoln City Loanees Shine in Premier League

LINCOLN, England — Two former loanees from Lincoln City, Brennan Johnson and Morgan Rogers, are making significant impacts in the Premier League, igniting pride among the Imps’ supporters. Johnson, now with Tottenham Hotspur, and Rogers, playing for Aston Villa, were instrumental in Lincoln’s journey to the League One play-off final during the 2020/21 season.

During that season, Johnson scored 12 goals and provided five assists while on loan from Nottingham Forest, elevating the team under then-manager Michael Appleton. Following his time at Lincoln, Johnson excelled in the Championship and is now proving to be a crucial attacking presence for a struggling Spurs side. This season, he has recorded 14 goals and four assists across all competitions, showcasing his versatility by playing in various positions in Tottenham’s front three.

Despite Spurs’ challenges in the English Premier League, the team is thriving in European competitions, currently advancing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Johnson had faced criticism but turned his performance around, scoring three goals in as many Premier League matches in late September, demonstrating resilience and earning back the support of the Spurs fans.

On the international stage, Johnson also shone, contributing a goal and an assist in a recent match for Wales against Iceland. His remarkable performance has positioned him as one of Wales’ top talents and a vital member of the national squad under coach Craig Bellamy.

Meanwhile, Rogers has had a standout season with Aston Villa, where he has consistently played, participating in 90% of the team’s Premier League minutes. Under the management of Unai Emery, Rogers has been pivotal for Villa, contributing to 14 goals this season. Aston Villa is actively competing on three fronts: securing a spot in European competitions for the following season, progressing into the latter stages of the Champions League, and reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Rogers’ impressive performances have not only elevated Villa’s chances of winning silverware but have also earned him a spot in the England squad under new coach Thomas Tuchel. This season, Rogers has amassed 23 goals and assists in just over 40 appearances for Villa, marking a significant achievement during his second year at the club after previous loan spells at Middlesbrough, AFC Bournemouth, and Blackpool.

Both players credit their time at Lincoln City for their rapid development, highlighting the club’s track record of nurturing young talent. The Imps have established themselves as a reliable option for larger clubs seeking to cultivate their prospects. The impressive performances of Johnson and Rogers at the Premier League level underscore Lincoln’s reputation as an incubator for future football stars.

In total, Johnson and Rogers were key figures in Lincoln’s 2020/21 campaign. The two loanees not only provided essential contributions to the team but also showcased the potential impact of well-placed loan agreements in developing young talent in competitive environments.