Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala has voiced his dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer progress this summer, admitting he is “not happy” with the lack of arrivals ahead of a busy August schedule.
The Imps have signed only Sonny Bradley and Ryley Towler so far in the window, despite losing key players such as Ethan Erhahon and Jovon Makama. It is now more than a month since the club last completed a deal, with Skubala conceding that some targets have already slipped away.
The @LincolnCity_FC head coach Michael Skubala says he’s “not happy” with the clubs transfer window so far.
Only Sonny Bradley and Ryley Towler have joined the Imps so far this summer.
Hear more from Skubala and defender Tom Hamer: https://t.co/6slNmaeLpf pic.twitter.com/YCibdgW2Jq
— BBC Sport Lincolnshire (@BBCSportLincs) August 11, 2025
Squad still short of depth
Speaking ahead of tonight’s EFL Cup tie against Harrogate Town, Skubala acknowledged the challenge of going into competitive fixtures with a depleted squad. The absence of several first-choice players has left the side light in certain positions, and the head coach is keen to avoid relying on short-term “filler” signings.
While fans have speculated on potential loan moves and free-agent opportunities, Skubala has made clear that additions must be the right fit for the team’s style and long-term plans.
Balancing patience with urgency
The Imps’ cautious approach to recruitment this summer appears to have been influenced by waiting for the right opportunities, even if that means deals are finalised later than usual. However, Skubala’s public comments suggest that the strategy risks leaving the team understrength during the early part of the campaign.
Some supporters have expressed concern that the club’s measured stance has cost them certain targets, with other League One rivals moving quickly in the market. There is also a recognition that once September arrives, integrating multiple new faces becomes a more difficult task.
Looking ahead
Lincoln’s transfer business is expected to accelerate in the coming weeks, particularly following recent sales which have boosted the club’s budget. Skubala will be hoping to secure players capable of making an immediate impact, rather than waiting until the later stages of the season for them to settle.
Writer’s View
Skubala’s comments highlight a tension between Lincoln’s recruitment strategy and the demands of a competitive League One campaign. While patience can yield quality signings, the reality is that the squad looks thin in key areas, leaving the head coach to navigate the season’s opening fixtures with limited options.
If Lincoln are to maintain their ambitions, decisive action in the final weeks of the window will be essential. The next fortnight could determine whether this summer is remembered as a calculated success or a missed opportunity.
