As the 2025–26 League One season draws closer, Lincoln City find themselves under a spotlight not for what they have done, but for what they have not.
While clubs such as Bolton Wanderers have made ten signings and others continue to overhaul their squads, the Imps have added just two players so far: centre-back Sonny Bradley and the versatile Ryley Towler.
At face value, this modest recruitment has sparked some concern among supporters. Many perceive a lack of transfer activity as a lack of ambition. But does that perception reflect the full picture? Or could Lincoln’s quiet summer represent a different, more strategic approach to building on an already cohesive squad?
The Myth of the Busy Transfer Window
There is an assumption across football that more signings automatically equate to better preparation. Clubs unveiling wave after wave of new faces generate excitement and optimism. Yet the reality is often far more complicated. For every successful signing, there are others who struggle to adapt, fail to meet expectations, or simply do not fit the system.
Bolton’s ten signings have created a stir, but statistically, several are unlikely to make a significant impact. History shows that large squad overhauls can lead to disjointed early-season form and extended bedding-in periods. By contrast, a smaller number of carefully selected additions may offer better cohesion and less disruption.
Lincoln’s Existing Assets
The key question for Lincoln City is whether their current squad is strong enough to justify such a restrained transfer window. There are indicators that suggest it might be. In the second half of last season, Rob Street and James Collins were among the most effective forwards in the EFL. If Collins had joined the club earlier, he may well have reached the 20-goal mark. Street’s performances in League Two also caught attention, and with both retained, City begin the new season with two forwards in good form.
Add to that the return of Freddie Draper, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2023–24, and it becomes clear Lincoln are not short on firepower. Meanwhile, Jack Moylan, Tom Bayliss and Ethan Hamilton are all fit after injury-hit campaigns. Their availability may offer a boost akin to new signings.
Skubala’s Tactical Consistency
Another factor that supports Lincoln’s approach is the stability around head coach Michael Skubala. The former Leeds United assistant is known for improving his teams when afforded time on the training pitch. Both of his strongest spells at the LNER Stadium have come after extended breaks from match congestion, during which he’s been able to embed tactical ideas.
That continuity may now begin to bear fruit. With only two new faces to integrate, Skubala can continue refining a shape and approach the players already understand. This could offer an early-season advantage over teams with multiple new arrivals and unsettled starting line-ups.
Bradley’s experience and leadership are clear assets. Towler has already demonstrated versatility in pre-season, filling in at left-back, where the club remains short of depth. If no permanent left-back is signed, he may well be asked to continue in that role, which is made more viable by a shift away from wing-backs to a back four.
Risks and Realities
Of course, there are valid concerns. Injuries to Erik Ring and Dom Jefferies have depleted options in midfield and out wide. Without further reinforcements, Lincoln could find themselves relying heavily on younger players or those with patchy injury records. A lack of senior cover in certain areas could become a problem over the course of a long season.
There is also the argument that without fresh competition for places, standards could stagnate. Familiarity may offer tactical cohesion, but it can also bring complacency. The challenge will be for returning players to raise their consistency and output, particularly those such as Reeco Hackett and Ethan Hamilton, who showed flashes last season without always maintaining performance levels.
New Isn’t Always Better
One of the more interesting dynamics at play is the modern obsession with new signings. In a social media-driven age, transfer activity is increasingly seen as a proxy for progress. Fans call for new faces, associate recruitment with ambition, and often overlook the potential of what is already in the building.
Lincoln’s more conservative approach challenges that narrative. It relies on the idea that players improve over time, that tactical familiarity matters, and that not every hole in the squad must be filled with a new name. It is a philosophy built around development rather than transformation.
That may seem risky in a division that includes some aggressive spenders. Huddersfield Town, for example, have signed multiple strikers this summer, including big-name additions such as Alfie May and Joe Taylor. But such an approach is not without its pitfalls. The churn creates selection dilemmas, financial pressure, and little room for error.
Lincoln, by contrast, are attempting to stay competitive through refinement. There are weaknesses, yes, but there is also clarity. Bradley and Towler should integrate quickly. The forward line is settled. Midfield depth will depend on fitness, but several players are capable of stepping up.
