January 26, 2018 11.19 am This story is over 73 months old

Heartwarming Danny Cowley picture auctioned in aid of Lincoln United disabled stand

Mission for new disability-friendly stand

Lincoln United has launched a fundraising campaign for a disability-friendly stand at the Sun Hat Villas stadium on Ashby Avenue.

Fundraising has been kickstarted with a charity auction, with bids being offered for a picture of Imps’ boss Danny Cowley being carried on the shoulders of fans after Lincoln City secured the National League title last year.

Fans will be able to see the picture, taken by local photographer Jason Corrigan, in the Bailgate’s The Little Red Gallery next week. The current bid is £150 and those wishing to make their own offers should contact Peter Hayward via email.

The proposal for the stand was put forward last August and is estimated to cost around £50,000. The majority of the funding is being raised through grants from sports organisations and local businesses.

The Whites have joined forced with Lincoln fundraisers Frank Connell and Joe Cooke who hope the project will set an example for other non-league clubs.

Frank Connell said: “I feel we need better areas at our sports venues in the Lincoln area for people with disabilities.”

“We are starting the project at Lincoln United and I see no reason why we can’t spread the idea throughout the country.”

“I cannot walk without crutches and for me to watch a football match is really very, very difficult.

“I want to see everybody given the opportunity to follow community sport in whatever way they want.”

“I have got a dream and believe this project will prove that Lincoln is forward-looking city.”

Lincoln United play in the Northern Premier League Division One South, four divisions under Lincoln City and seven below the Premier League.

Premier League teams were told last year they would be fined if they failed to provide enough disabled seating, however these penalties are not implemented in any other league.