Our third new arrival during the January 2023 transfer window, defender Jonathan Tomkinson came to us on loan from Norwich City. It was actually the second time that season we’d called on the Canaries to lend one of their young lads to us; Saxon Earley being the first and being a real success. Sadly, he had to go back to Carrow Road to complete a switch to Plymouth Argyle in that same window. But our positive experience with Earley meant hopes were high that Tomkinson could be yet another success story.

Indeed, it turns out we wanted to bring Tomkinson in with Earley. And boss Steve Evans was in no doubt of his qualities when the deal was announced. The gaffer told the official site: “By being able to play anywhere across the defence, he adds fierce competition to some already very talented players. We tried to sign JT in the summer when we brought in Saxon Earley and without doubt, he is of the same standard. He needs to get focused in his work and help play a part in our ambitions for the season.”

Jonathan Tomkinson: Before Boro’

Tomkinson’s career started in his homeland. To start with, the player was a midfielder and it’s said that he only moved to centre back while at FC Dallas when a shortage of defenders emerged. He moved to England in 2019 when the chance arose to join Norwich City’s youth team. But it wasn’t long until he was signing pro terms at Carrow Road; penning a deal in 2022. First team action soon followed, making one appearance in the Championship and two in the League Cup before he arrived at the Lamex to build out his senior experience some more.