Lincoln City’s unlikely promotional campaign has attracted a lot of attention. After a late charge into the play-offs last season, the Imps have recruited well and look well positioned to not only finish in the top six, but to go one step further and finish in the top two this season.
The man at the helm, Michael Skubala, has been instrumental in the transformation at Sincil Bank. The 43-year-old joined the Imps in 2023 and has overseen their transformation into a side that has been in the promotion conversation ever since.
From recruitment to playing style, Skubala’s team is one of the most direct in League One. Backed by a strong mix of youthful quality and EFL experience, Lincoln City have a balance and direction that seems destined for success sooner or later.
With the Imps sitting six points clear of second place this season, promotion could be necessary to keep their momentum going, with clubs sure to take note of Skubala’s success.
Michael Skubala’s direct football at Lincoln City
Lincoln City FC News
After years working in youth football at Leeds United, Skubala landed at Lincoln City and immediately started changing results. The 43-year-old came up with a brand of football that simplified the game, focusing on emphasizing the fundamentals without diluting the personality of the team’s star players.
Recruitment has been critical. The project took time, but experienced heads of Sonja BradleyAdam Reach and James Collins have been the cornerstones this season.
The seasoned professionals have taken care of the small details, making young stars like Freddie Draper and… Jack Moylan flourish in attacking roles.
Michael Skubala’s Lincoln City record
| Games | wins | Pulls | To lose |
| 125 | 58 | 30 | 37 |
The style of football is adapted to the players involved. Built on a defensive stronghold, basic principles are key to Skubala’s setup. However, this does not detract from the attacking players. Even when long balls are used, players like Moylan still show their technical skills.
This season, only four teams have conceded fewer goals than Lincoln City. The Imps have lost just one game at home this campaign. Along the way they have the second best record in League One, making them well worth their position in the table.
League One’s promotion situation
Skubala’s Lincoln City is in the driver’s seat for 2nd place. Cardiff City are four points clear of the Imps in first place but show no signs of slowing down. Bolton Wanderers lead the chasing pack, but are six points behind and have played one more game than Lincoln.
To make things even more ideal for Skubalas and co, the Trotters still have to play six of the top eight teams for now and the end of the season. Those matches will all take place in the final six weeks of the season, a series in which City will play just two teams currently in the top eight.
The 1-1 draw with their promotion rivals on Saturday further strengthened the Imps’ promotion fight. The Lincoln City faithful are starting to believe that Skubala can deliver them Championship football, and that may be the only thing holding him back given his rising stock.
#Promotion #key #Lincoln #Citys #stock #prized #assets #continues #rise #Opinion #News #The72 #Football #League #News