Lincoln's ascent: from conference basement to championship bound
Lincoln City’s improbable march towards the EFL Championship has captivated English football, a narrative of shrewd management and unwavering belief culminating in a near-certain return to the second tier after a 65-year absence. The Imps’ relentless form, a club-record 24-game unbeaten run, stands as a testament to Michael Skubala’s quietly revolutionary approach – an approach that’s defying expectations and rewriting League One history.
The alchemy of skubala's system
Just a decade ago, Lincoln languished in the Conference, a stark contrast to the vibrant, attacking side currently poised for promotion. Skubala, appointed in November 2023, has built upon a foundation of steady progress, notably their memorable FA Cup quarter-final run in 2017 which, while ultimately unsuccessful, injected vital funds and a renewed sense of optimism into the club. That £1.3 million windfall financed the Elite Performance Centre, attracting quality loan players and fostering a culture of development.
The manager himself, a former Loughborough University coach and England Futsal specialist, seems almost bewildered by the magnitude of their potential achievement. “No, no, no, it’s not for me to dream,” he demurred after Friday's 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon. “That’s for the fans. For me, it’s to keep focused.” This grounded perspective, coupled with a palpable team unity – evidenced by the sprint of even substituted players off the pitch – is arguably as crucial as any tactical innovation.
Beyond the numbers: a club reborn
Liam Scully, Lincoln’s chief executive, emphasizes a pragmatic, unflashy ethos. “That’s not really us,” he asserts. “We’re not into the shiny things.” Scully, who oversaw the appointment of Skubala, and along with Clive Nates, the chair, have orchestrated a series of astute decisions, transforming a club once teetering on the brink of relegation to one on the cusp of a remarkable ascent. The memories of crushing defeats, like the FA Trophy loss to North Ferriby, now serve as a stark reminder of how far the club has come.
The key, according to Scully, is “boringly consistent” work. The club has even embraced a Chief Growth and Innovation Officer and a dedicated innovation lab, fostering a culture where everyone contributes to “making the boat go faster.” From pre-season paddleboarding to collaborations with the Red Arrows, Lincoln’s approach is as unique as its trajectory.
Conor McGrandles, Jack Moylan, and Reeco Hackett represent just a few of the players showcasing the talent within the squad – players who, Skubala believes, possess the quality to thrive at a higher level. This season, he contends, could be Lincoln’s finest. The Imps’ journey is more than just a football story; it’s a testament to the power of sustained effort, strategic planning, and a deep-rooted connection to a community that has weathered its share of setbacks.
As Lincoln prepares to face Reading on Monday, the spectre of Tottenham or Nottingham Forest gracing Sincil Bank next season remains a tantalizing, yet unspoken, possibility. But for now, the focus remains laser-sharp: secure that final point, and cement a place in the Championship, a destination that once seemed a distant dream, now within touching distance.