Lincoln City's summer signing Callum Elder is set for an immediate reunion with former club Derby County in the Carabao Cup. The Australian defender, who joined the Imps on a free transfer after his release from Derby, will line up against his old teammates this Saturday. He told BBC Lincolnshire he is focused on helping his new side progress.
What did Callum Elder say about Derby County?
Elder expressed significant respect for his former employers. "It's funny how football works and how it throws you things like that, but I've got nothing but respect for the football club," he said. He praised Derby's fan base, facilities, and staff, but made his current priority clear. "I'm excited to go there as a Lincoln player and I'm certainly looking to win on Saturday."
The 31-year-old was a promotion winner with Derby in the 2023/24 season under Paul Warne. His experience in the Championship is a key reason Lincoln manager Michael Skubala brought him in to solidify the left-back position. You can see how Elder fits into the squad on our squad page.
How does this game fit into Lincoln's schedule?
This cup tie is the first of three scheduled meetings between Lincoln and Derby this season. It serves as a final competitive test before the Imps begin their Championship campaign. Lincoln kick off their league season next week with a trip to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Elder emphasised the demanding nature of the second-tier schedule. "It's relentless for starters," he noted. "You play Saturdays and Tuesdays, cup games as well, and it's going to take everyone involved to have a successful season." The full fixture list for this challenging season is available on our fixtures page.
What are Lincoln City's aims for the Championship season?
Building a solid foundation is the immediate focus for the newly-promoted side. Elder highlighted the importance of basics for any team hoping to succeed. "Most success in the Championship is built on basics and foundations so that will be really important as we move into Saturday and next week at Middlesbrough," he explained.
He also acknowledged the quality required at key moments, a trait he believes exists within the Lincoln squad. "We have players like that in the building as well." The early season provides a benchmark, with Derby themselves narrowly missing the play-offs last term. This cup game offers a direct measure of Lincoln's readiness for the league challenges ahead.
Where does Callum Elder fit into the defensive setup?
Elder's arrival addresses a specific need for Lincoln City. With extensive Championship experience, he is the clear first-choice left-back as the club prepares for life in the second tier. His understanding of the division's physical and tactical demands will be vital for a back line adapting to a higher level of competition.
His role will involve providing defensive stability while also supporting attacks from wide areas. The team's overall defensive record and individual contributions can be tracked throughout the season on our stats page. His performance against his former club will be an early indicator of his integration and form.
Saturday's match at Pride Park is more than just a cup tie for Elder and Lincoln. It represents a first competitive outing for the new signing and a chance to build momentum before the league begins. A positive result could provide a significant confidence boost for the squad ahead of the trip to Middlesbrough and the long Championship season that follows.
