Football Season Guide

Lincoln City enjoyed one of the most remarkable seasons in their 142-year history, cruising to the League One title with an incredible 103 points. The Imps are not a big fish even in League One but astute management both on and off the pitch saw them out-perform much bigger clubs on their way to promotion. They will begin the new season in the Championship looking to protect an unbeaten 29-match run. That astute management saw Michael Skubala, a coach at Leeds United, appointed in November 2023 and he oversaw the careful evolution of a squad that even withstood the sales of key players last summer. Centre-back Paudie O’Connor will certainly be regretting his move to Reading whilst midfielder Ethan Erhahon, who was also promoted with Bolton Wanderers, spent most of his season as a bit-part player. It proves the old-adage that the grass isn’t always greener however it comes with a large slice of irony as this summer it’s Skubala who has chosen to move on to a bigger club in Championship rivals Bristol City. It is seen as something of a death-nail in the chances of the Imps remaining in the second tier of English football for more than a season. The club acted immediately, seemingly having their succession plans already in place, by appointing Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw as joint head coaches. Both worked under Skubala last season so are obviously the consistency candidates. They inherit a squad that, at the time of writing, has lost just one regular starter from last season. Of course that is their standout performer; attacking midfielder Jack Moylan, who has signed for Cardiff City for an undisclosed record fee. It’s undoubtedly a big blow, although a replacement has already been sealed with striker Mason Melia signed up for a season on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Those that remain but in some sparkling performances, most notably goalkeeper George Wickens, centre-back Sonny Bradley, midfielder Conor McGrandles and striker Rob Street. None of this quartet are expected to move on either. The likelihood of the Imps splashing the cash is minimal but a couple of shrewd additions could make all the difference as they look to defy the odds and spring a few surprises.