Former Lincoln City & Portsmouth Defender Joins League One side

Former Lincoln City and Portsmouth defender Sean Raggett has linked up with Steve Evans’ recently relegated Rotherham United ahead of the new season, according to the club’s official website. 

The 30-year-old was released by League One Champions Portsmouth in their annual retained list, after making 44 appearances last season. He links up with the Millers on a permanent deal subject to the usual EFL ratification becoming signing number five for the ambitious side. 

He links up with teammate Joe Rafferty, who also moved from Pompey following the end of the campaign. Raggett first rose to prominence for the key role he played in Danny Cowley’s remarkable Lincoln City side that won promotion from non-league and reached the FA Cup Quarter final. As part of that run, he headed the winning goal to knock out a Burnley side that boasted the likes of Joey Barton, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Andre Gray amongst others under then-manager Sean Dyche at Turf Moor. 

His impressive performances earned him a move to Norwich City, where he briefly linked up with his new club on loan in 2018/2019, before making a later move to Portsmouth permanent in 2020. The defender made 239 appearances for the south-coast side scoring 17 goals and contributing 10 assists in the process. 

A good signing for Rotherham?

Rotherham are backing Steve Evans heavily in the market. Some were surprised by the timing of the departure from Stevenage with games still remaining of the season, but it is clear that the experienced manager is wanting to return to League One with a bang. He has secured highly sought-after players that not only boast experience but a winning mentality into his side, Raggett fits the bill perfectly. He is a strong and tall defender who has a knack of popping up with headed goals from set pieces at vital times.

He has been part of more than one title-winning side with very different styles which is a testament to his determination and adaptability. At 30 years old Raggett will feel like he still has a number of years ahead of him and will likely be eyeing another promotion to add to his already impressive CV. He was also faced with competition from Regan Poole for a spot in the first team and coped well despite being dropped to the bench at times prior to the Welshman’s injury.