Former Portsmouth man's big goal impact as old side search for attacking transfer threat
A phenomenal run of goal contributions has seen the former Pompey man’s stock rise - and help his side into promotion contention.
His Pompey career was a story of obvious, but perhaps unfulfilled talent.
A 20-month spell in the cold was followed by a Fratton revival under Danny Cowley for Reeco Hackett, one where he showcased obvious ability and an eye for the spectacular.
Former Pompey man on fire at Lincoln City
It wasn’t evident regularly enough to persuade John Mousinho the Londoner’s long-term future remained at PO4, leading to an amicable parting of ways in the summer of 2023.
Pompey saw a profit on their initial outlay, while Lincoln City landed a player with potential for a modest £40,000.
Hackett left the Blues with his stay totalling 79 appearances and 11 goals, Mousinho’s side soaring to the League One title the following campaign.
His first two seasons at Sincil Bank returned similar numbers to his time at Fratton Park, though the former Charlton Athletic man had found the regular football he craved amid 73 games and 11 goals.
Hackett’s numbers have exploded in recent weeks, however, as he produces goals and assists at an outstanding rate for Michael Skubala’s fast-improving side.
The 27-year-old’s winner against Port Vale last month was the catalyst for an excellent run of five goals and four assists, from just eight games. Hackett’s decisive goal caught the eye, as he smashed in an unerring 20-yard drive.
An angled rocket followed amid a two-goal haul in Lincoln’s 3-1 home win over Barnsley last month, while Hackett’s 20 yarder at Stockport proved key to his team’s 2-1 win.
The skilful operator’s flying form continued at the weekend, as he smashed a goal past former Pompey team-mate Alex Bass in Lincoln’s 5-2 romp over Peterborough United.
Assists for Tendayi Darikwa and Adam Reach underlined Hackett’s purple patch, which will surely be catching the eyes of potential suitors with the transfer window open.
Pompey ironically are looking to strengthen in the right wing position where Hackett has operated for much of the campaign.
Matt Ritchie departed in the summer with Franco Umeh eyed as a front-line operator, but the winger has been sidelined until last month after his £500,000 signing from Crystal Palace.
Harvey Blair was another main consideration for the position, but has also been injured for much of the season - though both players are now fit.
Hackett-inspired Imps have eye on League One promotion
Hackett, however, will now have his eyes on joining his former club in the Championship.
His goal contributions have sparked a run of seven unbeaten games for Lincoln, comprising five wins and two draws. That now leaves the Imps second in the League one table - three points off leaders Cardiff City.
With over half of the season played, Skubala has fashioned his side into genuine promotion contenders, the former Leeds United man doing so with some other familiar Pompey faces in his ranks.
Ryley Towler has made 27 appearances, since the Fratton favourite departed for Lincolnshire in the summer.
Towler has been lining up alongside former Blues defender Sonny Bradley in Lincoln’s defence, with the ex-Hull City man getting 30 appearances under his belt to date.