Raggett: D-Day Approaches

I tuned in late to yesterday’s press conference, but I’m informed one of the earliest questions was surrounding the immediate position of defender Sean Raggett.

Raggs is on loan from Norwich you’ll remember, he signed a deal ahead of the season that saw him return here for until January. With an FA Cup date looming, we’re about to get an indication as to Norwich’s intentions when it comes to recalling our star defender. Danny was asked if he’d play on Saturday, to which he replied ‘you’ll find out at 1.30’. He wasn’t being obstinate in any way, why would he reveal an aspect of his line-up ahead of kick of? After all, Raggs delivered in the FA Cup last year, he’s a key player and a threat in both boxes.

The permutations are obvious. If he is picked to start tomorrow it is relatively safe to assume that Norwich will be allowing him to stay here for the rest of the season. It isn’t nailed on by any means, but the early rounds of the FA Cup can be a chance to blood younger players for a bigger side, look at Brighton last season. Promotion to the Premier League is crucial for Norwich and a cup run can be a distraction.

If he is not allowed to play tomorrow that suggests that Norwich are looking to feature him in the FA Cup themselves and therefore he’ll probably be going back there in 2018. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all, nor is it certain him missing our cup game means he won’t be coming back. Norwich may want to have him back, stick him in the FA Cup 3rd round (depending on their draw) and then send him back to us. They may just want to keep their options open.

This is all well and good, discussing what Norwich want and how it might pan out, but I’ve heard nobody take into account what Raggs wants. Take emotion out of it for a while, just picture the scene. A 23-year old gets the move of a lifetime, the big break that could take his career to the next level, even the level above that. He’s worked towards it his whole life but, respectful and appreciative of those that helped him get there, he agrees to give a further six months to his present employer. He gets the odd taste of the high life, trains with the Premier League standard club a couple of times, but gives his all to the Fourth Division club who have sold him. Finally, January arrives. What would you want to do? Now, imagine you’re not a Lincoln fan, imagine it is your future and your development. What would you want to do now?

The harsh reality is that Sean Raggett is not our player and after agreeing to this six-month stint he doesn’t owe us anything either. We’re in profit on our transfers, no mean feat considering we’ve paid out for Michael Bostwick and Harry Anderson. Our defence is one of the best in League Two and it could be argued we’ve quickly established ourselves as outsiders for the play-offs. We’re in a good place, isn’t it better for all concerned if we handle this break-up sensibly? Raggs goes off to his new club to start his exciting journey and we bring in a replacement quickly. That way, if we don’t make the play-offs, we’re not starting next season with one or even two brand new faces at centre half?

I’m not trying to get rid of Sean Raggett, not a chance, if he does decide to stay I’ll be delighted, but I can see the benefits for all if he goes back. It’ll hurt us in the short-term, but if we do have a small chest to use in January then I’m sure Danny knows of a centre half or two he can pick up for a good price. Rob Dickie looks a real talent, maybe he’ll make his move permanent. We’ve got Luke Waterfall and Michael Bostwick who play there to, another couple of grand might pull a decent defender from the National League, one we own outright.

Ultimately the decision rests with Norwich, but they’re currently in 9th place. If they miss out on promotion it might be safer for Raggs to remain here until May, but if they go up to the Premier League, it could have severe repercussions for him. He’s likely to break into a Championship side, but without the last six months of this season to impress them, how likely is he to get into a top-flight side?

As Danny said, we’ll know much more by about Norwich’s intentions by 1.30 tomorrow and whilst exclusion from our FA Cup journey won’t mean he’s definitely going, it will at least show Norwich are keeping their options open. Whatever happens in January I hope it is the best thing for Sean Raggett because the lad deserves every chance of success.

Thanks to Graham Burrell & Lincoln City for the photographs