Championship side Lincoln City have extended the contract of experienced defender Adam Reach for another year, with sporting director Jez George saying the "data is more important to us than the date on his birth certificate".

The Imps triggered a similar clause in January, giving the 33-year-old an additional 12 months up until the end of this season.

They have now taken up the option of doing that again, taking the former Middlesborough, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion left-back's terms until the end of 2027-28.

George said Reach was more than holding his own in the club's step up to the second tier this season.

"There is always a perception of how players regress physically with age, but Adam's sprint and high-speed running distances per game continue to be consistently impressive at the top of our squad," George told the club website.

"This data is more important to us than the date on his birth certificate.

"Add to that Adam's undoubted quality, and influence off the pitch, then this is a decision that makes total sense for us and him."

Reach scored four goals in 31 appearances as Lincoln clinched promotion to the Championship for the first time since 1961 last term and has played all but one of their 11 games this season.

"It is really important that we keep a balance within the squad of young players with high potential, players approaching and in their prime and then a senior leadership group," George added.

"Adam is crucial in that group and formalising his contract extension was fair and right for our long-term planning."