Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala believes this season’s League One table is the most congested in years, insisting no side is breaking clear of the pack.
With 13 matches played, the promotion picture remains wide open. Clubs such as Lincoln, AFC Wimbledon, Stevenage and Bradford City have surprised many by holding top-half positions, while several expected challengers are only now finding form.
In 🟣 for the trip to Bradford!
🛍️ Shop now to get yours!
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) October 27, 2025
Parity across the division
Skubala, whose Lincoln side face Bradford this week in a top-of-the-table clash, said the table will take at least “6 or 7 games” to truly settle. He suggested that the closeness between teams means a small swing in form can dramatically change positions.
“I think we’re still not quite settled down yet,” he told Imps+. “If you look from top to bottom, it’s very tight and two points here or there can make a massive jump. Most teams are just trying to get points on the board because there’s not a massive gap between 8th and 17th.
“I actually think that’s a good thing for us because you haven’t got one or two teams running away with it.”
That balance has given hope to several clubs that began the campaign outside the promotion conversation. Wimbledon’s energy under Johnnie Jackson, Stevenage’s continued momentum under Alex Revell, and Graham Alexander’s Bradford side all remain in contention approaching November.
🗣️ Michael Skubala and Sonny Bradley spoke to the press ahead of the visit to Bradford City.
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) October 27, 2025
However, the lurking threat comes from those who started slowly but now appear to be building momentum. Blackpool, Rotherham United, Wycombe Wanderers, Bolton Wanderers and Leyton Orient have all begun to climb, adding weight to the argument that consistency over the winter months will define the race.
Competitive chaos and lessons learned
Skubala used last weekend’s defeat at Leyton Orient as a reminder of how quickly things can shift in such a volatile league.
“Saturday we weren’t quite on it and you get hurt. Leyton Orient are a very good team. They started slow last year and got in the play-off final. You cannot take anyone for granted whether they’re 18th, 19th or 20th,” he said.
“Blackpool got a win over the weekend and they’ll start moving. Bolton are starting to move. The league’s really competitive.”
His assessment echoes a broader truth: this is a League One season where every club, from promotion favourites to those rebuilding after relegation, has dropped points unexpectedly. The gap between the top and mid-table remains narrow, ensuring excitement and unpredictability every week.
As October closes, there is still no clear dominant side. For coaches like Skubala, that unpredictability provides opportunity and a challenge as teams navigate varying playing styles, fixture congestion and the looming winter schedule.
Lincoln’s trip to Bradford offers another test of that parity. The Imps have enjoyed recent success at Valley Parade, but as Skubala warned, no side can assume anything in a division where “anyone can beat anyone” feels truer than ever.
