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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Those who lost their lives at war to defend our freedoms will be honoured on Remembrance Day this year, as part of a weekend of services in Lincoln.
Remembrance services have been observed since the end of the First World War in 1918, to honour armed forces members who lost their lives serving their countries in the line of duty.
It is an annual tradition for services to be held across the country, and this year is no different, as Lincoln prepares for a weekend-long Remembrance of our heroes of war.
There will be a brief service on Remembrance Day itself, Thursday, November 11, held at the war memorial on Lincoln High Street and organised by the Royal British Legion.
The service at the Lincoln War Memorial. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Another service will be held at the war memorial on Saturday, November 13, this time organised by City of Lincoln Council in conjunction with the Royal British Legion.
The Armistice Service will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant, the Civic Party, members of council, freemen and more, with a wreath-laying opportunity and music provided by the Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue band.
The day after, on Remembrance Sunday, Lincoln Cathedral will host its usual annual service, with the Mayor of Lincoln in attendance along with the Civic Party and members of the council.
Elsewhere in the county, West Lindsey District Council have said that the chairman will be at All Saints in Gainsborough on the morning of Remembrance Sunday, and then All Saints Parish Church in Nettleham in the afternoon for two separate services.
In North East Lincolnshire, there will be services held in Grimsby, Immingham, Laceby, New Waltham and Cleethorpes to allow people to pay tribute.
Listening to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget live, who would have thought that over the last 18 months we have experienced one of the biggest economic shocks and seen unprecedented levels of financial intervention from a government to support our economy and public welfare.
It would be interesting to know if anyone has or was able to tot up the sums of money, billions and millions, pledged and earmarked in terms of public spending over the next few years.
It certainly seemed to be a Budget based on our economic and social prosperity being driven by investment in both the public and private sector. Whilst few predicted that this would be a Budget of tax hikes, it was not unreasonable to think it might have included some, or some inkling of future changes.
It looks like balancing the books is dependent on business innovation and investment, along with public sector and consumer spending giving rise to tax revenues from direct and indirect taxes.
With government borrowing at a level not seen since the end of the Second World War, there is surely a risk of a bumpy ride ahead if growth targets are not achieved and levelling up doesn’t really lead to levelling up.
The current rise in inflation is being, in part, attributed to increased and renewed global demand, particularly for goods following lockdown. This has led to supply chain issues along with increased energy costs linked to increased manufacturing and supply to meet such demand.
It is given this background coupled with low interest rates that inflation will settle down and so too will supply chain issues. However, perhaps workforce shortages will still be a real concern. The OBR forecast that the UK economy will return to pre-pandemic levels by the turn of the year.
Looking at the plethora of public sector spending announcements, few would disagree with much needed spending being allocated to our health service, education and infra structure projects, especially those that lead to a real levelling up. Those in the public sector will welcome the lift on the freeze for public sector pay increases.
More specific announcements, for businesses in particular, included the reduction in Business Rates for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors including a 1-year discount of 50%, more frequent revaluations – every three years from 2023; and relief for adopting solar panels and a 12-month rate holiday on property improvements.
For those businesses looking to make capital investments, the £1m Annual Investment Allowance will be extended to March 2023, instead of ending in December.
The arts, museums, entertainment and culture sector will no doubt applaud the announcement that the covid support and recovery Creative Tax Reliefs will not only be doubled but that they will now remain in place until April 2023.
Whilst considering relief those involved in innovation, including research and development, will be delighted to hear about the enhanced reliefs available for R &D, along with increased funding available to support such activity through Innovate UK. For those undertaking research involving cloud computing and data, they will be pleased to hear that such costs are now eligible for tax relief.
Whilst the increase to the National Minimum Wage, for those aged over 23, from £8.91 to £9.50 an hour was announced before the Budget, few were perhaps aware of the pending changes to alcohol duty which focused going forward on these being ‘simpler, fairer and heathier’ – a key winner certainly seems to be English sparking wines and draft pulled beers/lagers all benefit from lower duties.
Moving on to fuel duty, but not advocating a drive to the pub, the good news as we face unprecedent prices at the pump, was that fuel duty will again be frozen.
It would be easy to think perhaps there was little in this Budget, in some ways it would be difficult not to agree. Perhaps the test will be around the impact and effectiveness of what seems to be an unprecedented public sector spending spree. In the Chancellor’s own words, it certainly seems like ‘an age of optimism’.
For further in-depth commentary of the Autumn Budget & Spending Review 2021 you can still register for Streets’ virtual presentation at 12noon till 1pm on Thursday 28th October. All those registering and unable to join live will receive a link to the presentation recording and a digital copy of our Budget Summary. Register here.
James Pinchbeck is Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy practice. James, as a specialist in marketing professional services, is responsible for the development and implementation of the firm's strategic marketing as well as its engagement in the community it which it works and serves. His role allows him to capitalise on his broad interest in the national and local economy as well as his passion for enterprise. As part of his wider interest in enterprise, marketing and education, James is a board member of NBV – the East Midlands Enterprise Agency, an FE College Governor and a board member of the University of Lincoln’s Business School. He is also an Institute of Director’s past Branch Chairman.
A local family are feline the excitement as they prepare to open their cat cafe in a new location in the uphill area of Lincoln on Friday, and The Lincolnite went for a sneak purr-eview.
Coffee Cats first opened on Silver Street on October 1, 2019. After the impact of the coronavirus pandemic made it difficult to afford the rent and business rates, the Brown family began looking for a new location.
The family-run business has now moved into the premises on The Strait formerly occupied by The Crafty Bottle, which closed last year when the brewing company left the UK for Portugal. Coffee Cats will reopen in its new location on Friday, October 29.
Ethel chilling out in the cafe. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Ethel and Nicky in the cafe window. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The cafe is run by Stephen Brown and his family, alongside assistant manager Natalia Cossey, and is home to seven cats – Empress Matilda, Snorri, Mark Anthony, Ratatoskr, Alfie, Ethel, and Nicky.
The oldest cat is 17-year-old Snorri, while Nicky is the youngest at just over a year old.
The cafe will be based downstairs and by Christmas the family will open a Viking-themed mead hall in the upstairs area of the premises, with comfy sofas and extra seating.
Inside Coffee Cats on The Strait in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Alfie relaxing in the cafe. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Mark Anthony is one of seven purr-fect cats at the cafe. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
While getting the new cafe ready and purr-fect for opening day, a high number of people have been spotted excitedly peering through the windows and taking photos of the cats in recent weeks.
Stephen told The Lincolnite: “We are anxious but ready. The cats are looking forward to seeing people too.
“We had so many looking through the window as we were getting ready and the cats will thrive from the extra attention when we open.”
Kevin and Stephen Brown with Ratatoskr (front) and Nicky (back). | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The cafe will be run by assistant manager Natalia Cossey and manager Stephen Brown. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Coffee Cats will be open between 11am and 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Friday-Sunday. Thursdays and evening opening times will be added in the future, along with cat yoga and other events.
The cafe operates on a booking system of £6 for an hour and with an age restriction of 11 and over – make bookings here.
As well as housing the seven adorable cats, the cafe will also serve Stokes Coffee and fresh treats, with vegan and gluten-free options.
The cafe will serve Stokes Coffee and fresh treats, including cakes. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A bookcase full of cat-themed books and games. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Coffee Cats is located on The Strait in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Coffee Cats customers and supporters can also sponsor the friendly felines at a price of £5 ‘purr’ cat via the cafe’s website.
More than one person can sponsor each cat and the money raised will go towards the upkeep of the animals, including food, cat litter and vet bills.
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