Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala has admitted he is starting to focus on the 2025/26 campaign as the current season begins to drift towards its conclusion.
The Imps missed out on a play-off place on the final day of last season and looked as if they would stake a claim for a top six finish during the first half of this one.
Their poor form started in November but a 2-0 win over Reading on December 21st saw them move back up to sixth. However, that victory was one of only three in 18 games, resulting in a big drop down the table.
Despite struggling for consistency, there have been glimpses of the squad’s obvious talent with big wins over Peterborough United, Crawley Town and Bristol Rovers. However, they welcome Huddersfield Town to the LNER Stadium tomorrow firmly in the middle of the table.
Skubala Looking Ahead
Although Lincoln have little to play for, Skubala is beginning to shape his plans for the next campaign. As such, he has challenged his squad to finish the season strongly. Speaking to official club media, the former Leeds United coach said:
“I’ve said to the players, there is always something to play for in professional football. Three points (against Huddersfield) are really important.
“I’m looking at things ahead of next season and we are trying to learn little things and grow as we go. It’s all part of the jigsaw and what we want to build going forward to next season.
“Huddersfield are a big club with a strong budget and good players in the squad but haven’t found the consistency, showing how tough the league is again. But we aren’t worried about what they are doing – we are worried about what we can do and how we can build as a club.”
Writer’s View
Lincoln started the season with so much promise but ultimately fizzled out as the campaign went on. They are still a club that are arguably punching well above their weight but still harbour ambitions of sneaking into the Championship, just like Oxford United did last May. With little to play for in the remaining seven games, Skubala will be looking to see which players could play a big role for him next season.
