Olympic gold medalist Peter Kennaugh won the 58th University of Lincoln Grand Prix on Sunday, May 12, after a gruelling 13 laps around the city totalling 102 miles.

Peter was cycling for Team Sky professional, riding in the colours of Team Isle of Man. He also took the ‘King of the Hill’ crown for the most points won in the Michaelgate climb.

University of Lincoln Grand Prix 2013 results:

1. Peter Kennaugh (Team Isle of Man) 3:51:14
2. Marcin Bialoblocki (Team UK Youth)
3. Lachlan Norris (Team Raleigh)
4. Richard Lang (Team Raleigh)
5. Tobyn Horton (Team UK Youth)
6. Liam Holohan (Madison Genesis)
7. Eric Berthou (Team Raleigh)
8. Yanto Barker (Team UK Youth)
9. Richard Handley (Rapha Condor JLT)
10. Peter Hawkins (IG-Sigma Sport)

Read the race report from British Cycling

The Lincoln 10k Road Race held in the city last month proved to be a popular event to participate in, and also helped the local economy.

According to a survey, £283,544 was spent in Lincoln on that day, providing a boost to a number of local businesses and the city as a whole.

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership conducted an online and paper survey to measure measure the economic impact of the Lincoln 10K on April 7.

Some 396 residents and visitors were asked questions about their time participating or spectating the 10k, and how they spent their money on things such as entertainment, food and accommodation.

It is estimated 11,974 people visited the city during the event. 57.7% visited purely for the 10k.

In the survey, 83.6% of respondents were runners, 13.4% were spectators, and the remaining 3% were reporters, photographers, 10k staff and local residents.

During the day, these people spent their money on:

• Food and drink- £4265.14
• Entertainment- £55.00
• Merchandise- £380.00
• Shopping- £1387.50
• Travel- £1159.00
• Tourist attractions- £116.00
• Accommodation- £1331.00 (13% stayed in overnight accommodation)

The overall spend is then averaged out between the respondents, and multiplied by the number of 10k visitors to reach the sum of £283k.

Finally, of those surveyed, 98.5% said they would definitely return to the 10k event again.

Marc Rhodes, Events Officer at Lincolnshire Sports Partnership said: “We’re delighted with the results of the survey and to be able to show what a great event the Lincoln 10k is for the city and Lincolnshire as a whole.

“The race is one of the finest in the country attracting people from all over Britain and is a great advert for Lincoln with the course taking in great landmarks like the Cathedral and the Castle.”

John Latham, Director of Development and Environmental Services, said: “The Lincoln 10k is always a fantastic event, which takes in some of the city’s best tourist sites.

“This year we had someone travel from Texas to compete, so it shows that people have taken this event to their hearts.

“The 10k brings around 5,000 runners into the heart of the city, each with an average of one supporter to watch this high profile, prestigious event which helps put Lincoln on the map.

“This brings with it a boost to the economy and shows our continuing commitment to bringing people to Lincoln and supporting the city’s businesses.”

Lincoln Ladies football club is set to change its name to Notts County Ladies in time for The FA Women’s Super League (WSL) 2014.

As part of the adjudication process to gain a WSL licence from the Football Association, Lincoln Ladies will rebrand to become Notts County Ladies.

The FA will only choose 18 clubs to take into next year’s Women’s Super League, divided into two categories.

The process is now being finalised with The FA WSL project team, which is working on the new agreement.

It is expected Notts County Ladies will be part of the second WSL teams in 2014, but this is subject to final confirmation.

Lincoln Ladies is the only club which will undergo the rebranding next year.

Lincoln City Football Club have singed manager Gary Simpson for a three-year contract with the team.

Manager Gary Simpson has gathered 20 points in his time at the club since he replaced David Holdsworth at the end of February.

He also safeguarded the Imps’ Blue Square Premier League status for the 2013-14 season with a 5-1 win at Hyde on Saturday.

The board of directors at Lincoln City said in a statement: “Talks will continue over the coming days with regards to the finalising of Gary’s contract and the playing budget that he will have at his disposal.

“His priority then will be to start to assemble his squad for the 2013/14 season, particularly as the retained list has to be with the Football Association by May 10.”

The board also confirmed that Simpson will continue to be assisted by Grant Brown along with Chris Moyses.

Lincoln City safeguarded their Blue Square Premier League status for the 2013-14 season with a 5-1 at Hyde on Saturday, as they pushed Stockport County to relegation.

After last week’s victory against Tamworth, Gary Simpson’s Imps still needed a win to ensure their status in the division.

Lincoln started well as on-loan winger Jake Jones was felled in the box. A penalty was awarded, which last week’s match winner Alan Power dispatched with ease into the same side as his strike a week earlier.

Power turned provider next as he swung a neat corner into the opposition’s penalty area, which was met by midfield enforcer Mo Fofana, who headed the ball against the bar and into the back of the net to make it 2 – 0.

Jake Sheridan’s second-half cross was met by the head of target man Vadaine Oliver to give the Imps a three-goal advantage.

Hyde managed to pull a goal back through Luke Ashworth, who converted with a powerful header to give the home team a route back into the match.

Oliver added another to his tally to make it 4 – 1, before sealing his hat-trick with a great show of strength and a cool finish to give Lincoln a 5 – 1 final score.

That result, combined with Stockport’s 2 – 0 loss to high-fliers Kidderminster Harriers, meant that Stockport County, who were plying their trade in League One just three years ago, are relegated to the Blue Square North.

Lads salute the fans before heading towards the dressing room twitter.com/LincolnCity_FC…

— Lincoln City FC (@LincolnCity_FC) April 20, 2013

During the week Lincoln City chairman Bob Dorrian insisted that even if the club were to be relegated to the Blue Square North, they would stay as a full-time club.

Manager Gary Simpson has gathered 20 points in his time at the club since he replaced David Holdsworth.

However, it is unclear whether he will still be at the club next year, with his current deal at The 12th Imp Sincil Bank running out at the end of this season.

A Muay Thai boxer from Lincoln has secured a special European boxing title, making him one of the top in the sport.

Boxer Leigh Edlin became the ISKA European Champion after a match against opponent Michele Botezatu from Italy at The New Bingley Hall in Brimingham.

As well as his tough training regime, he runs the Chao Phraya Academy in Lincoln, which teaches students of all ages Thai boxing. He had over 100 people travel from Lincoln to support him.

Leigh described his winning fight as intense, with his opponent withstanding many of his best shots. After the event, Edlin required stitches to his face due to cuts he had to withstand.

He trains with help from Thai instructor Andy Thomson, international Muay Thai boxer and coach Parnpetch Rirom, performance specialist Darren McFaul and club founder Shaun Boland.

Billed as one of Lincoln City’s biggest games in recent history, more than 3,100 supporters went to Sincil Bank on Saturday to see the Imps win 2 – 1 against Tamworth.

The team started the day facing relegation ranked 20th in the Blue Square Premier League, and despite their win over Tamworth, the Imps are still under threat of being downgraded.

Lincoln City will know whether their place in the league is secure only on Tuesday after Stockport face Gateshead away. Stockport lost 0 – 1 to Dartford on Saturday.

The Imps are currently 18th in the league with 53 points. If Stockport lose on Tuesday, Lincoln City remain safe in the league for another year.

Lincoln City travel to Hyde next weekend for the final game of their season, knowing that a win will be enough to ensure they stay in the Blue Square Premier League.

If Stockport, Gateshead or Tamworth all get results midweek though, only three points will be needed at Hyde.

After the match on Saturday, Lincoln City manager Gary Simpson said: “I though the lads were superb from start to finish. I thought we played well first half, we were very unlucky to go a goal behind.”

Luton also have a game in hand, against relegated Ebbsfleet to play on Tuesday, with a draw enough to ensure it goes down to the last day of the season for the Imps.

“I’ve said all along it would come down to the last game, and it still could. But we are three points closer to where we want to be now,” Simpson added.

Simpson returned to the club in February and targeted 12 points from the 12 games he had before the end of the season. So far the ex-Macclesfield boss has picked up 17.

Match report: Lincoln City 2 – 1 Tamworth

Lincoln City came out ready to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and dominated the early exchanges.

However, a floated cross from Tamworth’s Peter Till caused confusion in the Lincoln City box and was headed in by Lincoln’s Dan Gray to put the away side one up after just seven minutes.

On the 70th minute, a looping cross found the head of top-scorer Jamie Taylor whose glancing header found the bottom left corner of the net.

Whilst Lincoln piled on the pressure, second-half substitute Jake Jones had the Tamworth backline at sixes and sevens with a mazy run in from the left.

Eventually the tricky winger was brought down in the box by Sam Oji, with the referee awarding a penalty that was comfortably dispatched by Man of the Match, Captain and Player of the Season Alan Power, to see the match finish 2-1 to the hosts and leave them on 53 points.

That wasn’t the end of the drama though, as injured Andrew Boyce was confronted by members of Tamworth’s bench on the pitch, after a small section of the home support invaded the pitch.

The incident carried on with some pushing and shoving and what Imps gaffer Gary Simpson described as handbags in the tunnel after the game had ended.

The Lincoln City Football Club Board said the Imps are “sitting far too close to the relegation places” ahead of a crucial match against Tamworth on Saturday.

The Board said in a statement on Thursday: “Results from our two difficult away games against Kidderminster and Luton coupled with those of some of the clubs around us in the league table mean that we find ourselves sitting far too close to the relegation places.”

Lincoln lost 3-0 to Kidderminster on Saturday, and 3-0 to Luton on Tuesday.

The club is now calling for fans’ support for the Tamworth game on Saturday:

“Whilst we have confidence in the players’ and management’s ability to achieve a positive result both they and the Board of Directors recognise that our supporters can play a huge part in helping the team gain the points they need to ensure we remain in the Conference Premier next season.

“Every one of us; supporters, players, management, staff and directors are determined to turn the fortunes of our club around and it goes without saying that continuing to play in the Conference Premier is a vital part of being able to achieve our goal.

“As a board we hope that everyone who has enjoyed the good times at Sincil Bank, even though they are saddened and frustrated by events of recent season, will be able to attend the Tamworth game on Saturday to help the team gain the result it needs to put us within touching distance of safety.”

Lincoln City were last relegated from League Two on the last day of the 2010–2011 season, when they lost 3–0 to Aldershot Town.

The Imps played in the Conference National since the 2011–2012 season, but with few successes. The team is now number 20 in the league, just above the relegation line, with 44 points.

The 17th annual Active Nation Lincoln 10K Road Race on Sunday, April 7 saw almost 5,500 people taking part, running professionally, to raise money for charities close to their hearts, or to simply keep fit and have some fun along the way.

Also see: Lincoln 10k 2013 results – The winners in pictures

Almost 5,500 people took part in the 17th annual Active Nation Lincoln 10K Road Race on Sunday, April 7.

Ben Livesey from RAF Waddington won the race in 30 minutes 16 seconds, followed by Richard Brown from the Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club in 31 minutes 47 seconds, and Colin Hawkins came third at 31 minutes 50 seconds.

Liz Cocks from Birstall Running club won the women’s race in 35 minutes 21 seconds, ahead of Calli Thackery of Hallamshire Harriers at 35 minutes 55 seconds, and Jenny Blizard from Rochdale Harriers came third in 36 minutes 11 seconds.

Matthew Clarke won the men’s wheelchair race, while Samantha Kinghorn won the ladies wheelchair race.

See the full results | Also see: In pictures: From start to finish line

A local sports association has received £235,717 of National Lottery funding from Sport England to help with improvements.

Lindum Sports Association will use the funding to improve its artificial grass pitch and changing rooms.

Lindum Sports Association, based in Lincoln, organises clubs for a variety of sports, but has cricket, rugby, hockey, bridge and squash at its core.

The funding is part of a national initiative by Sport England, which aims to improve sports facilities.

In the first round of the improvement fund, £9.9 million was put aside for 38 artificial grass pitches and swimming pool changing rooms to get improved.

Sport England will invest £45 million of lottery money into medium-sized sport facility projects until 2017.

Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “As the research shows people have a better experience of sport when the facilities are good both on and off the pitch.

“These investments in artificial grass pitches and swimming pool changing rooms will have a big impact on sport in local communities.”

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Lindum Sports Association on their long campaign to secure funding for improved facilities and this remarkable achievement.

“£235,717 is a vast sum of money and I know it will be put to very good use in improving Lindum Sport’s artificial grass pitch and changing rooms for members both in my constituency and in Lincolnshire.”

Bishop Grosseteste University will become one of Lincoln City Football Club’s main sponsors from next season.

Under the terms of the new three-year agreement, BGU will become a leading partner of the Imps, and the university’s new lions logo will appear on Lincoln City’s home and replica shirts from the start of next season.

The club and BGU will work closely together on a number of initiatives, including Football in the Community work, placement opportunities for BGU students and partnerships between the football club and BGU’s sports courses.

BGU will also work with Lincoln City Sport and Education Trust to support its work with children and young people in the local area.

Rob Jones, Director of Enterprise at Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “Supporting our local football club is just one of the ways in which we can achieve this.

“The agreement is a win-win for both parties: Lincoln City get the financial backing of a local sponsor while this deal will help to raise the profile of what we offer in the area.

“It’s no secret that the Imps have had a difficult few years, and we think it’s important to stand up and be counted when the going gets tough. The club needs the support of everyone in the city as the season draws to a close and we urge fans to follow our lead and get behind the Imps.”

Russell Moore, Lincoln City FC Commercial Manager, added: “This agreement is magnificent news, not only for the club but also for the city of Lincoln, with both of us having a proud history and a vision for success.

“Not only will BGU be the Club’s new front of home shirt sponsor but the partnership will open up a number of opportunities for both parties to build for the future,” he added.

Primary schools in Lincolnshire are set to receive an extra £2,390,500 government funds to improve sport provision for pupils.

The funding comes from a £150 million Olympic Legacy Fund, which aims to inspire potential athletes of the future and improve to quality of P.E provisions in schools.

For an average-sized primary school, the funding would amount to around £9,250 per year, over the next two years.

The money could be used to pay for extra coaching sessions, and additional or better equipment.

Lincoln’s Member of Parliament, Karl McCartney MP said: “Young people in primary schools across Lincolnshire will benefit from this announcement.

“This money will help to secure the Olympic legacy and support our gold medal winners of the future.”

Prime Minister, David Cameron said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games marked an incredible year for this country and I will always be proud that we showed the world what Britain can do.

“I want to ensure the Games count for the future too and that means capitalising on the inspiration young people took from what they saw during those summer months.

“This investment will benefit a whole generation of children for many years to come.”

Lincoln Ladies midfielder and general manager Megan Harris hopes March 8 will go down in history as a watershed moment for women’s football.

The date may be universally recognised as International Women’s Day, but for the city’s Women’s Super League club, Friday provided a double boost that could see the sport attain newer heights.

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have announced they will be admitting female players to its ranks from next season, but the celebrations do not stop there.

Lincoln will be leading from the front in showcasing their skills to a nationwide audience as the FAWSL, which kicks off with Lincoln taking on Bristol Academy on March 23, will be broadcast by the BBC in what is seen as a major step towards bringing in a more mainstream audience.

The broadcaster, following on from its survey that found four out of five British elite sportswomen believing they are underpaid, announced a bumper coverage package for the women’s game, with the FAWSL among a host of high-profile competitions on its schedule.

And midfielder Harris, who bagged the FAWSL’s goal of the season award for a thunder strike against Arsenal Ladies in June last year, felt it was about time the women’s game got its due rewards.

She said: “Today is a landmark day for women’s football, with both the BBC and PFA announcements. With the success of the Olympics, 2012 left the women’s game simmering, crying out for some sustained media commitment to catapult it into the mainstream. Today’s announcement does just that.”

Next season will be the first time in history that the all-male PFA will permit their female counterparts entry. It means all players who are registered with the Women’s Super League will become eligible to join the PFA.

They will also get a chance to mix in with the stars from the men’s game at the traditionally all-male annual PFA awards dinner, but Harris believes it is the principle of recognition that is of paramount importance.

Harris, whose five-member family are all involved in the game within Lincoln, added: “I know the PFA have been working very hard to get female footballers on board, and it is fantastic that we will finally be recognised by such a well established union.

“The recognition and support is what elite female players deserve and will allow the professionalism of the game to grow even more,” she added.

TV puts spotlight on women’s football

Meanwhile, the BBC will screen the women’s FA Cup final live on Sunday, May 26 and provide full coverage of the women’s European Championship in July, with many of Harris’ Lincoln team mates sure to be involved.

Following that, BBC Two will have four FA Women’s Super League programmes providing goals round-ups, highlights and features as well as looking ahead to England’s World Cup qualifiers, which will also be shown live on BBC.

BBC Two will also have two preview shows, fronted by Jacqui Oatley, on May 20 ahead of the women’s FA Cup final and then on July 8 ahead of the European tournament.

“The platform has been built over the last few years, and the potential growth bandied around by those in the know,” Harris said.

“The BBC agreement can now be the catalyst to take it to the next step and give it the commercial exposure it has been longing for.”

Following Friday’s announcement by the BBC, the Football Association’s Kelly Simmons hailed it as “a watershed moment for the game in England,” and Harris was in full agreement.

The midfielder, whose association with Lincoln Ladies goes back to its very inception, said: “8th March, 2013 will be talked about in years to come as a turning point in women’s football. Now it’s down for us to deliver on the pitch and I’m convinced it will go from strength to strength!”

New Lincoln City manager Gary Simpson was presented to the media today by club Chairman Bob Dorrian and Co-Vice Chairman David Parman at the 12th Imp Sincil Bank Stadium.

Dorrian began the conference by admitting that this appointment had been one they should have made earlier than it has been made by the club.

Simpson has been been Assistant Manager at the Imps under the late Keith Alexander and caretaker manager in the period after his departure from the club.

He admitted: “I always thought I would end up back here at some point.”

Following a career as a midfielder in English football, Simpson managed at local club Gainsborough Trinity and Macclesfield Town.

He arrives with the club two points above the relegation zone, with 12 games left and with the board admitting that “the consequences of relegation this season do not bear thinking about.”

Simpson was insistent that for his tenure at the club to be a success, the entire city would need to get behind the club: “We’re hoping everybody buys into it this time. We’re in a bit of a mess at the moment and now we need everybody to get on board.”

When faced with the question of where he feels the club need to strengthen he was very honest: “I’ve seen the team 6 times this season, and we are going to try to add 1 or 2 players to the ranks.

“Ideally, I want to improve every area of the team. It’s a little more difficult to improve up the top of the pitch, so I think I will try and focus on defensive signings and players who are bigger, stronger and more intimidating.

He added: “I think we need a minimum of 12 points to be safe. One point per game especially with the run of form that we have just been through.”

Simpson has been put off management since he was asked to stand down by Macclesfield Town Chairman Mike Rance on in March 2012 following a run of 16 consecutive games without victory.

However, Simpson insists that he has still been involved in football while out of management: “I’ve been doing a lot of player recruitment work and scouting for other clubs. I’ve not had time off from football.”

Simpson’s first game in charge of the Imps will be this Saturday’s away fixture at Woking.

Gary Simpson has been appointed as the new first team manager of Lincoln City Football Club after David Holdsworth left the team earlier this month.

He returns to Sincil Bank having previously spent four years at the club as assistant to Keith Alexander.

Simpson (51) has signed a contract which will run initially until the end of the season, and takes charge with immediate effect.

His first game as manager will be Saturday’s Blue Square Bet Premier trip to Woking.

Grant Brown and Chris Moyses, who have overseen first team affairs for the last two fixtures, will provide support to Gary Simpson.

“Gary had been in our sights for quite a while and we instigated talks with him early last week, culminating in this afternoon’s appointment,” said club Chairman Bob Dorrian.

“We are very pleased that Gary has agreed to join us and as a Board we look forward to working with him.

“Gary is a former Imps’ stalwart and I am sure you will all give him the support he and the club needs,” Bob Dorrian added.

The Lincoln City Football Club board of directors said a new manager for the team will be announced within 7 to 10 days.

The club is looking for a new manager after David Holdsworth left the Imps on Sunday by mutual consent, amid poor performance from the team.

Grant Brown and Chris Moyses have been placed in caretaker charge for the home games against Barrow this Saturday and Mansfield Town next Tuesday.

The club said in a statement: “The consequences of relegation this season do not bear thinking about and therefore we need you.

“After the results in the Blue Square Bet Premier last night, these two games are vital in the club’s attempts to climb away from the relegation zone and we would therefore ask all supporters who have the club at heart to turn out in force and support Grant, Chris and the players.”

The Imps said they received numerous applications for the manager job already, which are being reviewed by the board.

Among the names put forward informally by fans and pundits are Steve Thompson, a former Lincoln player in the 80s and manager of the club in the early 90s, and current caretaker Grant Brown, a club player for 13 years and now the club’s head of youth.

Simon Clark, manager at Worksop Town, and Gary Simpson, assistant manager under Keith Alexander at the Imps, have also shown interest in the job with the Imps.

Double Olympic cycling medallist Bryan Steel is pushing for businesses in Lincoln to sign up to the free Lincoln Cycle Challenge.

The challenge, which was set up as part of by Lincolnshire County Council through Access LN6, is a fun way of getting businesses to compete against each other to have the most employees cycling.

The challenge runs between April 22 and May 12, and there are prizes available such as cinema tickets, local restaurant vouchers and bike gear.

Over 500 cyclists and 160 non-cyclists are expected to take part.

Steel said: “The Lincoln Cycle Challenge provides a positive cycling experience with no added pressure.

“You cycle at your own pace and in your own time – whether that’s to and from work, to the local shops or on a bike ride with friends or family.

“The challenge creates friendly competition between local businesses and staff departments, and as an employer you’ll be supporting happy and healthy employees.

“Let’s support the cycling culture in Lincoln and get involved!”

Sarah Hubery, Sustainable Travel Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’re very keen to make the Lincoln Cycle Challenge as easy and accessible to everyone in Lincoln as possible.

“On Monday April 22, we’ll be holding an event in Lincoln city centre with double Olympic cycling medallist Bryan Steel, and then a number of fun events over the three week Challenge period.

“People will be able to learn how to fix or maintain their bikes, try a variety of different bicycles and generally enjoy cycling.”

Sign up to the challenge at lovetoride.net/lincoln.

The Lincoln City Football Club head of youth Grant Brown has been put in caretaker charge of the first team until a successor to David Holdsworth is appointed.

Holdsworth left his job on Sunday by mutual consent after poor results from the Imps. Several names are being put forward by fans and pundits in the search for a new manager.

This will be Brown’s third time in caretaker role. The former Imps’ skipper has taken over first team duties for two games in October 2007 and four games in October 2011.

The next two Imps games are at Sincil Bank on Saturday against Barrow, followed by a local derby against Mansfield Town on Tuesday evening.

Lincoln City Football Club parted company with manager David Holdsworth on Sunday, after a tenure that saw the Imps win just once in 11 games in the Blue Square Premier League.

Imps head of youth Grant Brown has been put in caretaker charge of the first team until a successor to David Holdsworth is appointed.

With a 26% win record in his time at the club, the board and Holdsworth have decided that a new direction for the club was needed. The club said the move was by mutual consent.

Holdsworth arrived at Lincoln City once Steve Tilson’s job came to an end in October 2011, after the club was relegated to the Blue Square Premier League from the Football League.

Holdsworth’s arrival was greeted with relative apathy, as the club needed a new direction since ex-Southend man Tilson saw the Imps relegated on the last day of the season into non-league football.

When Tilson was sacked, the Imps were ranked 19th with 12 points after 14 games. Now Holdsworth leaves the club 18th in the Blue Square Premier League, with 35 points after 31 games.

During Holdsworth’s 16-month tenure, over 75 players have been used at Lincoln City. This high figure is mainly down to squad members’ injuries and to the usual fluctuations with players at Conference level.

Reactions to Holdsworth’s departure

Some former Lincoln City players have taken to Twitter to voice their reactions on the ex-Mansfield manager’s departure.

Kidderminster defender Josh Gowling, whom Steve Tilson signed on loan in League 2 and then permanently once the club was relegated to the Blue Square Premier League, welcomed Holdsworth’s departure:

Best news I’ve heard all day, about time, yeeeeeeees! #simoncowellhead

— Joshua Gowling (@joshgowling) February 17, 2013

Darren Huckerby, who started his career at Lincoln City, seemed interested in the new vacancy at The 12th Imp Sincil Bank Stadium:

Full day of skiing done,just seen Lincoln City manager has left, do I apply for the job again? Maybe I’d get a email back this time?

— Darren Huckerby (@hucks6dh6) February 17, 2013

Meanwhile, author and sports broadcaster Alan Biggs still thinks that Holdsworth has a future in management:

Sorry to see that ex- #sufc skipper David Holdsworth has left Lincoln City. Still think a good manager in there.

— Alan Biggs (@AlanBiggs1) February 17, 2013

Life-long Imps fan Ryan Chambers felt Holdsworth deserved a bit more time in the job, and said: “I’m disappointed. I would have liked him to stay at least until the end of the season but it’s no surprise. I hope they don’t appoint Grant Brown.”

Who could be the next Imps manager?

Lincoln City said it would make no further comments on Holdsworth’s departure or replacement at this time. However, pundits and fans are putting several names forward.

Long-serving member of the coaching staff Grant Brown and Head of Youth Development Chris Moyses’ names have been mentioned as potential replacements for Holdsworth.

Ex-Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill is also another name being mused, as he is without a club at the moment, alongside recently deposed Preston North End manager Graham Westley.

Graham Westley’s experience after he took Stevenage from non-league to League 1 means that he would be a favourable appointment, however it remains unclear as to what route the board will take with this new gaffer.

Ex-Caretaker Manager Gary Simpson has also been mentioned by fans as a possible replacement for Holdsworth as he is out of work after being sacked at Macclesfield Town last year.

Ex-Lincoln City Captain John Nutter voiced his support of Brown and Moyses on Twitter:

Just the seen the Lincoln City news, I hope they give Grant Brown a proper opportunity, him and Chris Moyses can unite the club again

— John Nutter (@nutdog3) February 17, 2013