Portsmouth defender Sean Raggett: Lincoln days have been best times of my career so far

However, those happy memories won’t stop the former Imps centre-back helping plot their downfall when Pompey travel to Sincil Bank tomorrow night (7.45pm).

The Blues take on Michael Appleton’s side just days after a 2-0 defeat at home to Charlton.

It’s a result that leaves Kenny Jackett’s side seventh in the table – five points adrift on Lincoln, who sit third in the League One table and are the division’s surprise package so far.

Raggett, who got the play-offs with Pompey last season, was part of the Blues team that secured a 2-0 win in Lincolnshire last term – his first return to his former stomping ground in opposition colours following a lucrative move to Norwich.

He spent a season-and-a-half with the Imps over two enjoyable spells, helping them win the National League title in 2017 and then scoring the winner against Premier League Burnley in the fifth round of the FA Cup as Lincoln reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

Now as he looks forward to another match-up against his former employers, the Pompey defender admitted he still holds his time with the Imps in high regard.

However, his loyalty is with the Blues these days.

He told The News.: ‘There’s a few players still there but there has been a big turnaround since I was there.

‘It feels like I was at Lincoln for a long time, but it was only 18 months.

‘I had some really good times there. Burnley is a really good memory, so I have a lot of love and respect for everyone at the club and the fans up there. It’s a shame the fans won’t be there to watch it, though.

‘Former managers Danny and Nicky Cowley are both top managers and helped my game massively and I owe them a lot.

‘My move to Norwich was always the dream of anyone who has played non-league. Thankfully it happened for me and I just want to progress in my career.

‘They were the best times of my career, very happy times there and very successful. When you win promotions there’s no better feeling.

‘But hopefully we can go there and get a good result.’

Raggett will likely line-up alongside Rasmus Nicolaisen against Lincoln, with Jack Whatmough ruled out for up to three weeks with a hamstring injury picked up in Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Charlton.

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