Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala has shed light on the decision to postpone next weekend’s clash with Bradford City, offering insight into the factors behind the call.
The League One fixture will not go ahead due to international call-ups, but the Imps boss has suggested that squad depth and suspension risks also played a part.
Balancing Momentum and Availability
Supporters have been divided over the decision, with some believing it halts the team’s strong momentum while others feel it prevents the risk of entering a key match short-handed. Skubala admitted that the call was not taken lightly, stressing that multiple issues had to be considered.
“Hugely difficult decision for lots of different reasons,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “It’s always football, how performance-wise, what’s the best decision? You’ve got momentum, so you don’t want to lose momentum.
“When do you play them next? Is it on a Tuesday night? Is it good for them? Is it good for you? I don’t think any decisions like that are made up on a whim.”
Skubala also pointed out the impact on travelling supporters. “We know there’ll be lots of more fans probably able to travel on a Saturday and not a Tuesday and that could make a difference as well.”
League One
League Rules and the McGrandles Factor
Although international duty for Justin Obikwu, Dexter Lembikisa and Ivan Varfolomeev was cited as the formal reason, Skubala hinted that Conor McGrandles’ disciplinary situation influenced the timing. The midfielder is one booking away from a ban, which could have left the Imps short in the middle of the park.
“Sometimes it’s trickier with the league rules as well. You know, you can’t make the decision after the Exeter game, which could have different consequences for us,” he explained. “Maybe if we could make the decision after that game, it might be a different decision. But you have to follow the league rules otherwise, you get fines and you have to follow those processes as well.”
When pressed further, the manager confirmed that both international call-ups and the risk of suspensions were under review.
“The situation is players have picked up four yellows. So if they get another yellow, they could get a one-match suspension that might leave us light in a position.”
Writer’s View
Skubala’s explanation goes beyond the surface of international absences, underlining the complex decisions managers face in a congested season. By weighing momentum against the need to protect squad strength, he has shown pragmatism in a campaign where every point could matter.
While some fans may be frustrated by the delay, his comments make clear that Lincoln are managing the season strategically, not simply reacting to circumstance.
