Jack Lankester

Born in Bury St Edmunds on January 19, 2000, Jack Richard Lankester began his football journey at a young age, joining the Ipswich Town youth system at six. He progressed through the club’s academy, earning a scholarship at 14. In 2018, he gained experience on loan at Bury Town, where he scored three goals in six appearances. Lankester signed his first professional contract with Ipswich Town in August 2018. He made his professional debut in October 2018 against Queens Park Rangers and scored his first professional goal against Millwall in January 2019. His early career at Ipswich Town was notable for his club’s Young Player of the Year award for the 2018–19 season, despite experiencing an injury that cut his season short.

Following a period of injury, Lankester returned to play in the 2020–21 season for Ipswich Town, where he contributed significantly with goals and assists, marking his comeback with a goal against Sunderland. In June 2021, he moved to Cambridge United, ending a 15-year association with his boyhood club. During his three years at Cambridge United, he made 100 appearances and scored six goals, becoming a regular fixture in their squad. His tenure included 42 appearances in the 2022–23 season, where he scored four goals.

In June 2024, Lankester signed a three-year deal with Crewe Alexandra in League Two. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club in September 2024 against Harrogate Town. Lankester’s career has been characterized by steady progression through various levels of English league football, consistently contributing to his teams in attacking roles. A recent knee injury in April 2025 has temporarily sidelined him, but he is expected to return for pre-season.