In a remarkable achievement, Lincoln City have secured promotion to the Championship for the first time in 65 years. The Imps, once a non-League side, have risen through the ranks in just nine years, securing their place in England’s second-tier league with a 2-1 win over Reading, clinching promotion with five games to spare. This stunning success comes after years of struggle, but under the guidance of Michael Skubala, Lincoln have transformed into a force to be reckoned with in League One.
From Struggling Non-League Side to Championship Contender
It wasn’t long ago that Lincoln City were a shadow of their current selves. Ten years ago, the club was on the brink of finishing a disastrous National League season, with one win in ten matches. At the time, few outside of Lincoln paid attention, with the nation’s eyes focused on Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League title run. The club’s dire situation saw crowds regularly fall below 2,000, and many fans feared the club’s future in non-League football.
But change was on the horizon. After relegation from the Football League in 2011, the club hovered on the edge of relegation from the National League, needing a final-day victory over Hyde United to stay afloat. Lincoln City’s fans had grown accustomed to the disappointment, with trips to far-flung clubs like Carshalton and Whitehawk becoming all too common. Yet, something began to change, and the Imps’ fortunes took a dramatic turn for the better.
Key Figures and Turning Points in Lincoln's Rise
The first catalyst for change came in the form of Clive Nates, a South African businessman who joined the board and became captivated by the English game. Nates’s first experience was a tough 2-0 loss to Welling, followed by a frigid 0-0 draw at Alfreton. However, his investment in the club, coupled with the appointment of Danny and Nicky Cowley as managers, set Lincoln on a new path. The Cowleys’ leadership saw Lincoln make a magical FA Cup run, where they defeated Premier League side Burnley before being eliminated by Arsenal in the quarter-finals. This incredible cup run not only boosted the club’s profile but also secured £2 million in prize money, which was reinvested into building the Elite Performance Centre Training base.
Under the Cowleys, Lincoln’s return to the Football League was a reality, and the momentum continued under manager Michael Appleton, who brought the club to the brink of Championship promotion in 2021, only to fall short in a final loss to Blackpool. Despite this setback, the Imps’ rise continued under Michael Skubala, who took over the reins following a spell with Leeds United’s coaching staff. Skubala’s steady approach and emphasis on long-term development have proven successful, even on a limited budget, as evidenced by the team’s current dominance in League One.
The Secret Behind Lincoln’s Success Under Skubala
Lincoln’s stunning success this season, which has seen them go unbeaten in the league since November, is a testament to the club’s team ethos and the strategic leadership of Michael Skubala. Despite having one of the smallest budgets in League One, Lincoln have excelled with the most wins, fewest defeats, best defensive record, and the highest number of goals scored. This balanced approach, with no single player dominating the scoring charts, highlights the collective effort that has propelled the club to the Championship.
Defensively, Lincoln’s foundation is built on an experienced back four, with captain Tendayi Darikwa leading the charge. Darikwa, who captained Wigan to the League One title in 2021, brings vital experience and leadership to the team. Under Skubala, Lincoln have become a well-organized and cohesive unit, proving that even with limited resources, a strong team ethic can overcome all odds.
