Following a loan move to Lincoln City from Manchester City last summer, Lewis Fiorini didn’t take long to make his mark on the pitch. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder scored a superb first goal for the club against Cambridge United in early September.
“Experiencing moments like that in front of thousands of fans every weekend, at my age, is a big attraction for me.
“I came here to try and prove myself and get experience – I think it’s gone well,” he explains.
Throughout the season the Imps were often riddled with injuries, requiring him to play in deeper roles he hadn’t been used to, but the talented midfielder has taken it all as part of the learning experience: “There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but that’s what I came here for.
“As a team it’s been difficult at times but on a personal note it’s been good for me, and I’ve ended quite strongly.”
Photo credit: Chris Vaughan / Andrew Vaughan / Lincoln City FC
After a tough festive period, an upturn in form for Fiorini coincided with an improvement in results for Lincoln. The loan star shone in vital wins against the likes of AFC Wimbledon and Cheltenham Town.
The Imps have found the loan system useful down the years. As well as helping players develop their game it has also helped the club to climb the football league ladder. This was something that impressed Fiorini: “I looked at Brennan Johnson last year and how good he was for Lincoln,
“Now he’s had another strong season being one of the best players in the Championship. That gives me confidence in coming to Lincoln and the pathway I’m on.”
When pressed on his own future and where he’ll be next season, Fiorini remains coy and focused: “The only thing on my mind has been finishing the season strong and helping the team.
“There’s loads of time in the summer to talk and decide the best thing to do going forward.”