Can the Imps do it this weekend?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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, 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 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.
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.
Likely lineup: (433) Palmer, Poole, Eyoma, Walsh, Edun, Bridcutt, Grant, McGrandles, Johnson, Rogers, Hopper
Likely bench: Long, Bramall, Montsma, Jones, Sanders, Scully, Morton
Well done to everyone!
Two people from Lincoln and a councillor from Spalding were among those named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021 list.
People from across the country were honoured for a variety of achievements, including contribution to the COVID-19 response.
Steve Coupe and Steph Douglas from Lincoln, and Councillor Angela Porter from Spalding, were all awarded with an MBE.
Steve climbing to Col de la Clauere on the French/Spanish border.
Steve Coupe, 72, who lives in Lincoln, was awarded an MBE for his services to charitable fundraising and voluntary work.
Steve served in the Royal Air Force for over 40 years, including as a Training Flight Sergeant for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment at RAF Waddington. He also took up a post with a reserve squadron at RAF Waddington between 1994 and 2009.
Steve, who was born in Essex and has lived in Lincoln since 1985, has raised over £80,000 for charity through numerous individual and team endurance events.
He started his fundraising in Germany in the 1970s and has raised money in locations such as Kuwait, as well as across England, including in Lincoln. This has included around 30 marathons, a trek in Nepal, a freedom trail from France to Spain and a tandem sky dive.
He raised money for charities and organisations including Cancer Research, Royal British Legion, Children’s Ward at Lincoln County Hospital, St Barnabas, The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Children with Leukaemia, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and The Ethan Maull Foundation.
Steve in Llanberis in 2013 at the end of the Snowdonia Marathon, which he has completed 10 times.
When asked about being awarded with an MBE, Steve told The Lincolnite: “It’s an honour. A person said about nominating me back in 2019 and I thought nothing more of it at the time and was surprised to get the email recently, I am proud. I won’t be celebrating just yet though due to health reasons.”
“I wanted to put my body on the line for charity and I just got on and did it, but it’s about the people that sponsored me who deserve the thanks as well.”
Steve was also previously employed as a Housing Officer for the MoD looking after families living in Service Families Accommodation in the Lincolnshire area.
Steve (pictured holding the £ sign) at Ali Al Salem Airbase Kuwait. Everyone from the squadron participated in an organised relay bike ride for charity.
The casework he is still doing for the Royal British Legion sees him visit veterans, assess their needs and make recommendations to help improve they standard of life.
He has supported over 100 beneficiaries, whether that is carrying out jobs in his spare time, assisting with the delivery of furniture and painting for veterans in poor health, or helping with financial issues. He has also been heavily involved in the National Health Walks programme as a volunteer walk leader for City of Lincoln Council.
Steph Douglas has been awarded with an MBE for services to education.
Steph Douglas, 63, who was born in Cleethorpes and lives in Lincoln, was awarded an MBE for services to education.
Steph has dedicated her life to the improvement of the outcomes for children under five and their families. She is currently the Head of Service for Early Years at Doncaster Borough Council.
She has worked in education for over 40 years, starting as a teacher at Frances Olive Anderson Primary School in Lea near Gainsborough in the 1980s. She has also worked at Leasingham Primary School, All Saints Primary School in North Hykeham.
She later became deputy headteacher at Washingborough Primary School before spending 10 years as headteacher at Sturton By Stow Primary School until 2001. She moved to work for Lincolnshire County Council as Head of Service for Early Years, where she stayed until 2014 before moving onto Doncaster Borough Council.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Steph has shown great leadership and support to the early years sector, as well as to colleagues, to ensure that critical services remained open to support children of key workers and vulnerable children.
Steph told The Lincolnite that she felt overcome with emotion after finding out about her award.
She said: “I didn’t know anything about it until the Cabinet Office emailed me. I am quite overcome by it and delighted to have been nominated.
“The work I have always done in Early Years has been my passion since I started teaching and it is nice to be recognised for that work.
“My passion is making a difference to young children. I think that the earlier you provide intervention for families in need, the more successful children will be when they become adults. It’s a wonderful job and working with young children is the most rewarding thing in the world.”
Steph is also part of the stakeholder group for South Yorkshire Futures, a regional partnership led by Sheffield Hallam University with a focus on improving social mobility for all of the area’s children and young people. She also played a key role in securing the funding for the Early Years Outcome Project with a focus on improving Speech and Language Pathways and outcomes.
Angela campaigned to get the Spalding Western Relief Road diverted and saved several homes from being demolished.
Angela Porter, 75, is from Spalding and was awarded an MBE for her voluntary services in Lincolnshire. She uses her maiden name of Newton in her professional capacity as a councillor for Lincolnshire County Council and South Holland District Council.
Angela is leader of the independent group at South Holland District Council. She has been part of the council for 48 years, representing the Monkshouse wider area, and also had a spell as chairman for two years. She also previously ran an Estate Agents business called AP Sales with her husband Alan, who she has been with over 30 years and married in 2014.
She represented the Spalding West Ward for Lincolnshire County Council between 1981 and 1993 and stood again in 2013, when she was reelected.
Her voluntary work has now been recognised with a prestigious honour from the Queen. Angela is the chair of the South Holland Parish Voluntary Car Service, which provides transport for people getting to hospitals, surgeries, dentists etc. She has a team of 60 people who have assisted over 10,600 passengers covering 185,000 miles each year.
Angela is the chair of the South Holland Parish Voluntary Car Service.
As chair of Johnson Hospital League of Friends, Angela led on the funding of a new hospital for the district which opened in 2010 and she is also now the president of the Johnson Hospital League of Friends, She is also a Trustee of the Spalding town Husbands, an organisation planning events for local residents.
She helps Spalding in Bloom and every year she manages a team of volunteers to persuade town centre shops to hang up baskets of plants, as well as organising clean grot spots in the community gathering scouts, cubs and brownies.
Angela Porter with her husband Alan on their wedding day in May 2014.
When asked about being awarded with an MBE, Angela told The Lincolnite: “I am absolutely delighted and thrilled and feel honoured.
“I campaigned and put forward various suggestions to Martin Hill (Lincolnshire County Council leader) and the scrutiny committee, which led to the relief road being diverted and avoiding several houses being knocked down in 2019. Someone at the time mentioned about nominating me for the award and I thought nothing more of it.
“I got a phone call in May (from the Cabinet Office) and it took me by surprise. I am very proud and have been a district councillor since 1973, and the only one elected then who is still on the council.
“I enjoy helping people and the challenges that face us quite often and want to keep going on both councils.”
A man has died after being hit by a train in Lincoln on Friday evening and a number of emergency services will remain at the scene for some time, while police said the death is currently not being treated as suspicious.
Lincolnshire Police said they were responding to an incident in Lincoln city centre close to the main train station after a man was hit by a train shortly after 8pm on June 11.
Police said shortly after 10pm that they were still in attendance in Lincoln city centre. A number of enquiries are ongoing in order to establish the exact circumstances involved.
| Photo: The Lincolnite
| Photo: The Lincolnite
The force said: “We’re sad to confirm that the man involved in this has died. We’re currently not treating his death as suspicious but our investigations are ongoing.
“There were a number of people in the area at the time who may have seen what happened and we haven’t yet spoken to them. If you are one of those people, please contact us on 101 quoting incident 575 of 11/06/2021.
“If you did witness the incident and could benefit from talking to someone about it, please contact ‘Mental Health Matters’ on 0800 001 4331, where someone is available 24/7.
“Thank you to everyone who was in the area of this incident and has helped us with our enquiries so far, and to those in the vicinity for their patience while we respond.”
LNER said all lines were blocked and services to and from the train station at Lincoln will be delayed or cancelled – see more information here. Rail replacement coaches have been arranged.
⚠️ #LNERUpdate We are saddened to report a person has been hit by a train at #Lincoln. All lines are blocked. Services to and from this station will be delayed or cancelled. Rail replacement coaches have been arranged. For further information, please visit https://t.co/OmFNCx20Bz pic.twitter.com/C8sUF7zARP
— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) June 11, 2021
A comical ode to Lincolnshire
“I’ve got glee for Cleethorpes and Brigg is the best, got the horn for Horncastle, and I like Skegness” are just some of the lyrics of a song released by a sketch comedy troupe, which has had over 40 million views across various online platforms since forming four years ago.
Actors/comedians Georgie Jones from Bourne, Philippa Carson from Dublin and Will Sebag-Montefiore from Leeds, as well as Scottish lawyer Tom Dickson, got together to form Just These Please in 2017. The latest musical performance – Anthem for Lincolnshire – was uploaded to YouTube this month.
The group’s first foray into the comedy world was their debut Edinburgh show at the Gilded Balloon in 2018, before their song ‘When You Order Coffee With An Irish Name’ saw their popularity soar with over 30 million views across various social media platforms and more than 1.4 million on YouTube.
The group has written 25 sketches and songs which are performed in hour-long shows. They were also finalists for the Rockies Best Newcomer award at the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival in Ireland, but their Soho Theatre run, Glasgow Comedy Festival and 120-seater Edinburgh Fringe performance were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The quartet didn’t let the pandemic dampen their spirits and focused on their online content, building up a following of over 85,000. They released a new video a week for 10 weeks on YouTube during the first part of the coronavirus lockdown, as well as some festive specials for Christmas.
Just These Please have also performed on BBC Radio 4 Extra, BBC Radio London, RTE 2FM, Talk Radio and BBC Radio Lincolnshire. They are hoping to perform in Lincolnshire in the future.
Just These Please have built up an online following of over £85,000 and the group’s videos have been viewed over 40 million times.
Georgie Jones, who lives in Bourne, told The Lincolnite: “We just thought it would be a lovely opportunity to do something and we wanted to do an ode to Lincolnshire.
“I provided little bits of Lincolnshire inspiration for the anthem, but a lot of the niche references came from our internet research.
“The reaction has been amazing. It’s been really wonderful and people have told us they have been watching it multiple times.
“Bourne have loved it too. A lot of people from Bourne have followed us from the beginning and travelled to see our shows and I’d love to take one of our shows there. We’d love to come to Lincoln too and anywhere else in the county that will have us.
“Lincolnshire is not known for its art scene, so it felt cool to honour the county in a musical way and it was a lot of fun to make.”
Georgie added that she is performing her solo poetry show at Stamford Arts in September and will be resuming her tour of Lincolnshire in the future. She has also appeared in a “funny television commercial” for Smarty Mobile.
Philippa added: “BBC Radio Lincolnshire did a live festival with bands, including comedy bands, performing live from home. We did a live gig with some of our songs and then decided we would write one specifically about Lincolnshire for BBC Radio Lincolnshire.
“We are on zoom with each other constantly and come up with our ideas together, and from being out and about, and then discuss how we can make it funny.”
The comedy troupe are also working on a new show for the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
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