Lincoln City chairman Clive Nates has revealed the club’s transfer plans are on track despite a current lull in the news.
The Imps finished strongly under Michael Skubala, losing just two games after January 2nd and narrowly missing out on a place in the top six. They were pipped on the final day of the season by Oxford United, a side they beat 10 days prior and who were promoted to the Championship.
Hopes are high at the LNER Stadium that they can go one better next season, given that the teams in seventh in 2022 and 2023 (Plymouth and Derby) were promoted automatically the following season.
News has been steady for Imps’ fans over the past few weeks, and in an email sent to those registered with the club, chairman Nates revealed that things were progressing as planned.
“Although there might be a brief lull in terms of news right now, rest assured that there is plenty of activity going on behind the scenes at the club,” he wrote.
“Our football department are also hard at work, both in recruitment and in planning for when the players return to the Soper of Lincoln Elite Performance Centre at the end of June.
“While we are not yet able to announce any signings, we are confident we are on track to add to the squad.”
Additions are happening all the time at the club, but not on the playing staff. Last week, they announced a promotion for former Burnley academy manager Jon Pepper, and Nates outlined how other changes are also afoot.
“One addition at the EPC (training ground) this summer is a new kitchen – we’re always looking at how we conduct every aspect of our business, and nutrition of our players is something we have reviewed and invested in.
“Later this week we will introduce a new website, followed by a smartphone app and new streaming service.”
Whilst there may well be changes that supporters don’t see as having an immediate impact, they will strengthen the club’s overall appeal, both to potential new signings and, eventually, supporters.
One player unlikely to sample the culinary delights at the EPC is Lee Bonis. The Larne striker had been linked with a move to the Imps, but that rumour was put to bed yesterday in a Real EFL exclusive.
Writer’s View
It’s always frustrating for football fans at the end of May and early June. With no games to focus on, everyone wants news, and yet few clubs will announce anything until they officially sign deals.
Lincoln fans need to be patient, as do all fans of clubs not going at it hard early doors. No club is sitting on its hands hoping things work out; they’ll all be working hard to get the edge at the start of next season.
Lincoln had a good campaign in 2023/24, it finished strongly and players they recruited in the previous 18 months, such as Reeco Hackett, Ethan Erhahon and Lukas Jensen, form the spine of a squad hoping to challenge at the top of the table once again.
