Former Lincoln City academy goalkeeper Isaac Allan has secured a new loan move, with the ex-Imp heading back into non-league football for the remainder of the season.
The teenage stopper has joined Whitby Town on a short-term deal after Sunderland confirmed his temporary exit from Wearside.
Allan signed a professional contract with Sunderland AFC over the summer, having impressed during a trial spell at the Academy of Light at the back end of last season. Since then, he has featured regularly for Graeme Murty’s development side as part of the Black Cats’ U21 set-up.
Before his move north, Allan was part of our academy system, where he was regarded as one of the standout goalkeeping prospects in the club’s youth ranks. He played a key role in the Imps side that lifted the U17 Floodlit Cup, an achievement that underlined the strength of Lincoln’s academy pathway during that period.
His progress at Sincil Bank also saw him gain valuable first-team exposure. Allan regularly trained with the senior squad and was named on the bench for a League One fixture against Bristol Rovers, a notable milestone for a young academy goalkeeper pushing towards the professional game.
Allan post-City
Earlier this season, Allan was sent out to gain senior minutes with Morpeth Town, where he experienced the physical demands of non-league football. That spell has now been followed by another temporary move, with Whitby Town confirming his arrival to bolster their goalkeeping options.
Whitby boss Gary Liddle welcomed the signing, explaining that Allan’s previous experience at Northern Premier League level made him an ideal short-term solution following an injury to Shane Bland.
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring Isaac into the club and I thank Sunderland for their help in making the deal happen at such short notice.
“Isaac comes with great pedigree and he is highly thought of at Sunderland.
“He’s already had a good taste of Northern Premier League football whilst on loan at Morpeth in the not so distant past so he comes with the experience needed to step straight into the team in Shane Bland’s absence with injury.
“We’re looking forward to working with Isaac.”
For Lincoln City supporters, Allan’s latest move is another reminder of the academy’s ability to produce players capable of stepping into elite environments.
From lifting silverware at youth level to earning a professional deal and now gaining senior experience through loans, the former Imp continues to build a career path shaped by strong foundations laid at Sincil Bank.