Max Melbourne is aiming to express himself in League One after making the switch to Sincil Bank from Championship side, West Bromwich Albion.
The 20-year-old linked up with The Imps’ squad on deadline day and he’s looking forward to the hustle and bustle of EFL action after already experiencing the professional game in Scotland so far in his career.
Melbourne has already shown he has the abilities as a leader during his time with his parent club, but his move to City doesn’t only give him an opportunity as a player, the defender would love to develop even more leadership qualities during his time at Sincil Bank.
“When I was 18, I was the captain at West Brom (U18’s) and that brings a lot of responsibility on and off the pitch and then when you go into a first team dressing room you’re learning from people around you, so I’ll be looking to learn even more from the boys in the dressing room here.” Max said.
“Playing in Scotland was really good but I’ve played the majority of my career in this country so I’m delighted to be given the chance to try and express myself in League One.”
The move to Sincil Bank represents the third loan spell for Max away from The Hawthorns and his temporary switches from the Midlands to date have been vital for his development and the defender says nothing can beat the heat of league competition in that regard, so when the chance to join The Imps presented itself he jumped at the chance.
“The loan spells were great for my development," Max said. “I first went to Scotland when I was 18. You learn a lot when you go out on loan, being in the changing room really helps a lot as well as the experience of playing in the League as it really got me to where I am today.
“The intensity is a lot higher, and the winning mentality of the players in the building is too because people have their jobs on the line. It’s a must win environment, it’s a lot different to the development side of things in the academy.”
He continued: “I got the call last week letting me know Lincoln were interested, so I’m here now and delighted to be here.”
City take on Doncaster Rovers in the Leasing.com Trophy tomorrow evening, where Max could sample his first action in an Imps’ shirt, tickets are still available in the Club Store at Sincil Bank, also for supporters who cannot get to collect a ticket in person, pay on the day is also available for City fans at the Keepmoat Stadium.
