Lincoln City's Unbeaten Run Sets Stage for Championship Promotion
Lincoln City have not lost a league game since November, and one more match without defeat will secure their promotion to the Championship. This remarkable achievement marks a potential return to English football's second tier for the first time since 1961, a journey that began a decade ago when the club finished 15th in the Conference.
Michael Skubala's Leadership Defies the Odds
Under head coach Michael Skubala, Lincoln have overachieved this season, building on a decade of steady progress. The club, with the 17th biggest budget in League One, has extended their unbeaten run to 24 league games, putting them on the brink of promotion. Skubala, who had a brief interim stint at Leeds United, emphasizes humility and focus, stating, "No, no, no, it's not for me to dream. That's for the fans. For me, it's to keep focused."
Chief executive Liam Scully echoes this sentiment, highlighting the club's consistent philosophy: "We're not into the shiny things. We are who we are, whoever our opponents may be." Lincoln's innovative approach includes initiatives like pre-season paddleboarding and collaborations with the Red Arrows RAF display team, fostering a culture where everyone contributes to success.
From Non-League Struggles to Championship Dreams
The club's rise is a stark contrast to past struggles, such as avoiding relegation to the National League North in 2016. The FA Cup run in 2017, which saw Lincoln become the first non-league club in 103 years to reach the quarter-finals, funded their Elite Performance Centre, attracting quality loan players. Fans like Tom, 25, from Lincoln, recall lows like losses to North Ferriby, making the current highs even more significant.
Recent victories, including a 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon with a late goal from Ryan Oné, have solidified Lincoln's position. While promotion is not yet mathematically guaranteed, a draw between Bolton and Stockport could also secure their place in the Championship.
Sustainable Progress and Future Prospects
Skubala, contracted until 2028, values alignment throughout the club, noting that not all teams share this trait. He praises players like Conor McGrandles, Jack Moylan, and Reeco Hackett for their talent and work ethic. Scully adds, "Michael's done a phenomenal job. This effort takes a village but every ship needs a captain."
As Lincoln prepare for potential matches against Premier League sides like Tottenham or Wolves, the focus remains on maintaining their boringly consistent approach. Skubala reflects, "I'm not sure, if we do get there, it'd be easy to replicate a season like this again." The club's journey from non-league obscurity to the brink of the Championship showcases a formula of innovation, unity, and resilience that could make them competitive at a higher level.
