Lincoln City are 90 minutes away from a peak they haven’t seen for seven decades, and we are taking a look at the heroic players and team mates that have got the club to Wembley and the play-off final.
The Imps are preparing for the biggest game in recent history for the club, the League One play-off final against Blackpool, held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday and kicking off at 3pm.
Lincoln City beat Sunderland in the play-off semi final after finishing 5th in the table, despite many predicting the Imps for a mid table finish.
The players and coaching staff have worked wonders this season, here’s a brief profile on each of the squad that have taken us fans on this mesmerising journey.
Manager – Michael Appleton
Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton has signed a four year deal at the club after impressing during his first year in charge. | Photo: LCFC
Where better to start than the boss, Michael Appleton. His brand of fast, attacking football has been a breath of fresh air for League One this season, and regardless of the result on Sunday, Lincoln City owe him a huge thank you.
Assistant Manager – David Kerslake
David Kerslake, assistant manager at Lincoln City. | Photo: LCFC
Michael Appleton’s assistant has huge experience as a football coach, having been an assistant at the likes of Cardiff City, Watford and Nottingham Forest. He’s been a key part of the Imps’ success this season.
Alex Palmer – Goalkeeper
City shot stopper Alex Palmer with his Papa John’s Trophy Player of the Round award. | Photo: LCFC
The West Brom loanee, 24, has made an incredible 57 appearances this season and is highly rated at his parent club. At Lincoln he has developed into one of the best goalkeepers at League One level.
Sam Long – Goalkeeper
Young keeper Sam Long is a capable deputy for Alex Palmer. | Photo: LCFC
The youth academy prospect is yet to play for Lincoln City this season, but will be on the bench at Wembley in case anything happens to Alex Palmer.
Regan Poole – Right Back
Regan Poole joined the Imps on a permanent deal from MK Dons. | Photo: LCFC
The January arrival from MK Dons took a bit of time to solidify his place in the Imps’ side, but he has not looked back and is becoming an important player for Michael Appleton.
Joe Walsh – Centre Back
Lincoln City will be hoping Joe Walsh can stay fit for Wembley. | Photo: LCFC
Often regarded as the best central defender at the club, Joe Walsh has had a torrid time with injuries this season, playing just 24 times all campaign. He will be fit for Wembley, though, which is a huge boost.
TJ Eyoma – Centre Back
Spurs loanee TJ Eyoma has done a great job both at centre half and full back. | Photo: LCFC
Often utilised as a right back, Tottenham loanee TJ Eyoma has found himself a new home at centre back to cover for the injuries Lincoln have faced in that position, and is starting to look undroppable in that role. Such a shame that he will be going back to Spurs after this match.
Lewis Montsma – Centre Back
Lewis Montsma described Lincoln City as “the perfect move” when he arrived last summer. | Photo: LCFC
The defensive goal machine. Lewis Montsma arrived as an unknown from the Dutch second division, but his nine goals in all competitions, including one against last season’s Premier League champions Liverpool, have made people take notice.
Adam Jackson – Centre Back
Imps defender Adam Jackson has been a leader for the team this season. | Photo: LCFC
The 27-year-old has been a rock at the back for Lincoln since arriving from Scottish side Hibernian last summer. Jackson has made 27 League One appearances this season, scoring once against Oxford on his league debut.
Tayo Edun – Left Back
Tayo Edun has been a standout performer for the Imps. | Photo: LCFC
Not many have played more games than Tayo Edun this season, and the majority of his 53 matches have been in the left back position. He has excelled there at times and looks a real asset to this Imps squad.
Cohen Bramall – Left Back
Cohen Bramall transferred to the Imps in January. | Photo: LCFC
The 25-year-old joined from Colchester on deadline day in January, and has gone on to make 18 appearances for Lincoln. He will likely start on the bench at Wembley.
Liam Bridcutt – Defensive Midfielder
Club captain Liam Bridcutt will be key in the final. | Photo: LCFC
The experienced club captain is such an important player for the Imps, offering a wise head in midfield for a young squad to learn from. When he plays well, so do Lincoln.
James Jones – Central Midfielder
James Jones at the LNER Stadium. | Photo: LCFC
Someone that started the season as irreplaceable, James Jones still plays a key role for Lincoln’s squad, and has over 40 appearances to his name to prove it. He will probably be among the subs on Sunday.
Conor McGrandles – Central Midfielder
Conor McGrandles has signed for the Imps. Photo: LCFC
One of the best players in an Imps shirt this season, Conor McGrandles has brought energy and composure in abundance during his 50 appearances this season. He should start at Wembley, especially after his performance off the bench against Sunderland.
Jorge Grant – Central Midfielder
Jorge Grant has been influential this season, and has been rewarded with a new contract. | Photo: LCFC
The beating heart and talisman. Jorge Grant was winning games on his own at times in League One this season. The 26-year-old won the club’s player of the year award thanks to his 17 goals in all competitions. There’s no doubt he plays.
Max Sanders – Central Midfielder
Max Sanders joined the Imps at the last minute in January.| Photo: LCFC
It’s not been the easiest start for Max Sanders since he joined from Brighton in January, starting just one league game so far. Injuries have held him back, but he will be looking to kickstart his Lincoln career at Wembley.
Harry Anderson – Right Winger
Harry Anderson has risen through the leagues with the Imps. | Photo: LCFC
The term legend is used far too often in modern football, but Harry Anderson truly is a Lincoln City legend. He’s made over 200 appearances for the club since Danny Cowley signed him in 2016, and he’ll be hoping to cement his legacy with yet another promotion.
Anthony Scully – Forward
Anthony Scully, 21, has been in electric form for The Imps this season. | Photo: LCFC
Anthony Scully’s breakthrough season has been a joy to behold. The dynamic forward is Lincoln City’s co-top scorer alongside Jorge Grant with 17 goals, but he may have to settle for the bench at Wembley.
Brennan Johnson – Forward
Brennan Johnson after the victory over Sunderland in the play-off semi-final. | Photo: The Lincolnite
Brennan Johnson has the aurora of a superstar. The teenage forward has played in a whole host of positions during his loan spell at Lincoln this season and excelled in all of them, reaching double figures for goals and assists. I can assure you, this will be his last game for the club before he lights up the Championship with Nottingham Forest.
Morgan Rogers – Forward
Morgan Rogers, 18, won the EFL’s Young Player of the Month award for March. | Photo: Lincoln City FC
It’s hard to believe the Manchester City loanee is only 18-years-old considering how well he’s taken to life in League One. Six goals since arriving in January have helped Lincoln get to this point, could his parting gift be promotion?
Tom Hopper – Striker
Tom Hopper has been leading the line all season for Michael Appleton’s side. | Photo: Lincoln City FC
A real fan favourite, Tom Hopper is a rare breed of selfless striker; someone who would run through walls for his team. He’s chipped in with 11 goals this season, none bigger than his two massive strikes in the play-off semi finals to get Lincoln to Wembley in the first place.
Callum Morton – Striker
It’s been a difficult season with injuries for Callum Morton. | Photo: Lincoln City FC
The young striker started well during his loan spell from West Brom, but a horror injury ruled him out for over five months and he’s been getting up to speed ever since. He is a brilliant poacher and could be vital off the bench if we need a goal.
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Ukrainian Independence Day is this month, marking 21 years of freedom from the Soviet Republic, and after the tragedy of Russian invasion earlier this year, a march of solidarity and remembrance will be held in Lincoln.
The walk will take place on Wednesday, August 24, 21 years after the 1991 Declaration of Independence in Ukraine, to celebrate the country in all its glory.
It will take on added poignance this year given the tragedy of the Russian invasion of the Eastern European nation, which has seen a total of 5,514 civilian deaths verified by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Lincolnshire people have opened their homes to refugees from Ukraine | Photo: Bradley Wall
The walk begins at 5.45pm, leaving St Mary le Wigford Church – the base of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre of Lincoln – before meandering through the High Street, the Strait, Steep Hill and Exchequergate.
It will arrive at the intended destination of Lincoln Cathedral where a short ceremony will be held outside the monument in memory of the “Lost Children of Ukraine” – before people make their own way home.
| Photo: John Aaron for The Lincolnite
To embrace the true spirit of the event, participants are encouraged to either hold or wear something blue and/or yellow, signifying the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Lincolnshire has been a keen player in Ukraine support since the initial fallout of the Russian invasion, with more than 800 Ukrainian people welcomed to safety in our county so far.
At the end of February, just days after Russian troops began their invasion, a well-attended candlelit vigil was held at Lincoln Cathedral, while the iconic landmark lit up in Ukraine’s blue and yellow colours.
Staff and students from the University of Lincoln stood in solidarity with Ukraine. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
As well as this, over 100 University of Lincoln staff and students stood shoulder to shoulder on campus in a defiant act of solidarity back in March – promising anyone affected by the conflict that they are not alone.
In April, the Lincoln Run for Ukraine, organised by those behind the annual Santa Fun Run – the Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia – saw the community get their running shoes on for a good cause around the city.
A historic chapel will become a Greylees’ “premier venue” when it becomes a tea room and cocktail bar, the people behind it say.
The New Chapel on Kinross Road in Greylees, near Sleaford, has been granted a license following a major refurbishment.
The new establishment has been widely welcomed by the community.
However, there were worries from some that the 1am closing time on Friday and Saturday nights would lead to disruption for residents.
Owner Freida Alrashaid told North Kesteven District Council’s licensing committee: “The response on social media and in person has been overwhelming support. The community is very much excited for this.”
She took the late 19th century building on in 2014, and had been working to restore and bring it back into use ever since.
Ramal, who will be the Designated Premises Supervisor, said: “Blood, sweat and tears have gone into this – that shows you our level of passion.
“This will be the premier venue in Sleaford for people to come and enjoy themselves. We hope that people will be happy with what we have produced.”
He assured worried residents that they wanted to serve the local community, and not cause a nuisance to them.
The building was abandoned for a number of years. | Image: David Bosworth
The venue will be licensed to serve alcohol until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 1am Friday to Saturday, although this will mainly be used for special events.
However, some local residents said at the meeting they still had concerns about late night noise.
Chris Cocks said: “This is a peaceful area to love – with such a late license in the evenings, we will hear the noise and it will be intrusive. We haven’t had assurances on noise limiting technology.
“I am in favour of this venture, but the disruption in the early hours of the morning does worry me.”
Sarah Freeman said she was also worried about the effect on nearby families with young children.
However, Jan Gunter told the committee: “I live around 150 yards away and have no objections at all. We know that 1am events will be the exception rather than the rule.
“We have been promised so many facilities for the area over the years and none have been realised. This is to be welcomed.”
The applicants said they would endeavour to stop noise travelling, and would ask large parties not to park on the street.
The committee has granted the license application, saying that “no evidence had been presented to show there will be problems with anti-social behaviour, increase in traffic noise and parking noise, and that the information was speculative.”
The building was previously Rauceby Hospital Chapel but fell into disrepair over the years.
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