Lincoln City's Jamie Clapham returns to his roots

Clapham played in the Premier League with Ipswich and Birmingham

Jamie Clapham's career has taken him the length and breadth of England - from a trainee at Spurs to the Premier League with Ipswich and Birmingham, and via Wolves and Leicester to Notts County and the League Two title.

But after being released by the Magpies at the end of last season, Lincoln-born Clapham has returned to his roots and signed a one-year deal with Lincoln City.

"I'm pleased that it's all sorted out and I'm looking forward to it," he told BBC Lincolnshire.

"You look at the number of players who are out of contract each season, and each year it gets more and more.

"A lot of clubs just wait and wait because these are difficult financial times in football, certainly in the lower leagues."

Clapham is looking forward to playing for his home-town club and following in the footsteps of his grandfather who played for the Imps in the 1940s and '50s.

"I don't come home [to Lincoln] as much as I should. Normally, my family come to stay with me but I've still got family here and I'm looking forward to it.

"My grandad, Bert Wilkinson, used to play for Lincoln and I think he's quite pleased that I've come here. I'll look forward to seeing him and my family at a few games this year."

I'm certainly not looking at it as the end of my career. I'm fit enough to play for at least another couple of years

Jamie Clapham

But even after spending two seasons in the top flight of English football with Ipswich Town, followed by a further three at Birmingham City, Clapham counts Notts County's title-winning season, with its extraordinary background of off-field intrigue, as one of his biggest achievements.

"Last season was incredible despite all that went on at Notts County. Full credit to them, they did exceptionally well to keep their heads under the circumstances.

"Being here at Lincoln is a totally different proposition. It is a young squad but they have got ability and talent.

"It's a case of whether that can be moulded into a winning formula but I'm sure over the next few weeks we'll be able to get that balance right.

"If you have a good work ethic, a good balance and structure, and the team is given something to play to then you can get results. That has to be the starting point for any team."

If you have a good work ethic, a good balance and structure, and the team is given something to play to then you can get results

Jamie Clapham

Although Clapham, 34, is one of the Imps' oldest and most experienced players with more than 420 league appearances, he insists that coming home to Lincoln is not a sign that he is ready to hang up his boots.

"It's a young squad, whereas I've played a lot of games. So if people want my opinion as a player then there's no problem with that.

"Last season, I played in midfield and at full-back and I'll play wherever it helps the team out. I'm just delighted to be here, delighted to have sorted things out and looking forward to working with the guys here and hopefully having a good season.

"I'm certainly not looking at it as the end of my career. I'm fit enough to play for at least another couple of years but it's nice to have the opportunity to come and play for my home-town club."