Imps sign ex England Under 20 keeper

Last updated : 02 July 2008 By Gary Hutchinson

Lots of names have been mentioned, lots of theories put forward (not least by LCM), but Lincoln City have announced that the new goal keeper is 23 year old Rob Burch, recently released by Sheffield Wednesday.

Birch will sign a two year deal tomorrow after undergoing a medical with the club, and gaffer Peter Jackson is delighted with his latest signing. Speaking to the clubs official website he said: "The only keeper I wanted to bring in was Rob Burch, I'm delighted he said yes"

Jackson also revealed he's beat off stiff competition from other clubs to sign the ex England under 20 international. "When he came back from holiday last week numerous clubs came in for him, including a bigger club in our division, it looked as though I'd lost him and he was going to sign for them."

Burch revealed moving to City was a no brainer "It wasn't a tough decision I came up to meet the manager [Peter Jackson] at the weekend. He is a great man manager and he made me feel welcome. The confidence he is installed in me already can only help me and help the team".

That 'bigger club' are thought to be Bradford City, but either way tomorrow it won't matter as Burch signs on the dotted line for City.

Robert Burch turned professional with Tottenham in July 2002 and spent five years with the club after going pro. This of course echos the experience of Alan Marriott prior to signing for City.

During that time Burch was loaned out to Conference clubs Woking and Stevenage He was also loaned to West Ham in 2004, but he failed to make a first-team appearance for the Upton Park club.

Burch was back on loan in 2005-06 with a stint at Bristol City but, again, a senior debut eluded him. He finally made his debut on loan at Barnet when he was signed on an emergency 28-day loan in January 2007.

Burch was released from his contract by Tottenham in May 2007 and signed for Sheff Weds in July 2007. He made his Wednesday debut on 28 August in a 2-1 Carling Cup second round victory over Hartlepool. He was released by the club at the end of the season after playing just three competitive matches.

Burch is also well known for a stunt he pulled on TV earlier this year. He proposed to his girlfriend on the This Morning television programme on Valentines Day. His fiancee is a producer on the show, and he was helped by Fern Britton.

Although Burch lacks the senior appearances he certainly seems to fit the bill as the big, quick, young goalkeeper that jacko wanted, and the way the charismatic manager in enthusiastic about his new face means he must be quite a catch.