Lincoln City Season Preview: credit due at Sincil Bank

Never has a non-league club attracted as much attention from the mainstream media as Lincoln City did last season. Four FA Cup giant-killings en route to becoming the first fifth tier side in 103 years to reach the quarter-finals probably helped, but Imps fans had other cause for celebration: they returned to League Two. Supporter Gary Hutchinson of the excellent ‘The Stacey West’ blog fondly recalls a historic campaign and discusses the challenges ahead…

It was certainly the best season in living memory. We’ve always been a lower league side, and although a Division Four win by record points in 1976 was the benchmark by which all teams have been measured, this one we feel has excelled that. The FA Cup run was unprecedented for us and for a non-league team so that added the gloss and shine to a thoroughly absorbing and ultimately triumphant league assault.

Seven of your squad members last year started 40+ games. Was it a season where you could predict the starting eleven without much debate most weeks?

Not especially, no. The core of the squad was usually the same, we always had Alex Woodyard in the centre of the park, Luke Waterfall and Sean Raggett at centre half, Sam Habergahm at full-back and Paul Farman in goal. Nathan Arnold always started when fit, as did Matt Rhead but the remaining four places were always up for grabs. We also had significant squad rotation towards the end of the season, playing 61 games in total took it’s toll on even the fittest of players.

In the last eight years, those seven players have played just 30 Football League games between them. Will a season at this level be a learning curve?

No, I don’t think so. Once you’ve spent time in the National League you realise there isn’t a lot of difference between the top seven and League Two. Football is a universal game at any level and these players will step up with very little problem. Bear in mind last season we faced a Tranmere side with the likes of Jeff Hughes in it, a seasoned pro of ten or twelve years. There will be some adjustment, but not much.

Nathan Arnold though, has been instrumental in two promotions from the National League. Does he deserve his chance at this level?

Nathan deserves his chance at this level, 100%. Nathan Arnold isn’t like your normal footballer, he’s a quiet and considered man, someone who you’ll never see bawling and shouting or even moaning in the press. He has respect and empathy too, he’s so much more than a footballer. In terms of his ability, yes he deserves his chance and I hope he thrives because technically he is a very competent player.

Terry Hawkridge has joined Notts County. Are you relieved to sign Josh Ginnelly on loan?

I’m happy, but not because Terry left. I liked Terry, another good honest professional who gave his all. Despite his crucial goals though we could have achieved everything last season had he not been in the team. He was one of four wingers that rotated regularly, unlike say Alex Woodyard who was integral to what we did. As long as we go into the new campaign with four wide men, all quick and direct then I’m afraid we won’t miss Terry as a player. As a person, yes.

Target man Matt Rhead won a lot of plaudits last term. Was it his aerial prowess and bullying of defences that won them, as much as his 15 goals?

Yes, to a point. He’s a monster of a man, an aggravator who winds the opponents up and then does the same to visiting fans when he scores. League Two will love to hate him, and they’ll accuse him of being nothing more than a big lump that bundles his way through. He does has a wonderful touch though, despite not being mobile his technique is unreal. Watch his little back heeled flick for Luke Waterfall equaliser against Forest Green in November and tell me then he’s just a big lump.

Matt Green and Ollie Palmer are two mobile strikers. Do either of them have the qualities to compliment Rhead?

I think with Palmer standing six foot four he is here to take the target man pressure off Rhead. Green partnered Rhead when Mansfield came up a couple of seasons ago and they already know each other’s game. In truth, whether we had Rhead or not was irrelevant, strikers like Matt Green do not grow on trees and signing him was a no-brainer irrespective of who else we have in the squad. It will be interesting to see how Palmer fits into the dynamic, I’ve heard he’s mobile and after watching Rheady for a season I thought you were either a big lump or mobile, not both!

New midfielder Billy Knott proved an able performer in League One with Bradford. Does this quell the disappointment of losing Alan Power?

Again I’m not disappointed in losing Alan Power. Alan was a great servant to the club and he stuck with us throughout our non-league days, but last season he was in and out of the side. He deserved his shot at league football, but he made the right decision for himself and his family. Kilmarnock and Lincoln are similar sized clubs, the difference is up there he plays at Ibrox twice a year and Celtic Park too.

Power and Knott are quite different players too, despite his billing Power is an out and out central midfielder whereas I see Knott as the tip of a diamond, perhaps even more advanced than that. Power is an Imps legend for his commitment and time served, Billy Knott can replicate that with one wonderful season of flicks, tricks and goals.

Josh Vickers joins from Swansea City on a two-year deal. Do you see him being back-up to Paul Farman?

Absolutely, Paul Farman has developed into a fine goal keeper, and he’ll go into the season as our first choice. Ironically Vickers has league appearances under his belt whereas Farms doesn’t, but again he’s been with us for almost all of our non-league campaign and he deserves a stab at league football. Farms is a bit of a cult hero at City, he’s a Geordie but he bleeds the red and white of Lincoln City. Working under David Preece and latterly Jimmy Walker has developed his game no end, and young Vickers has a battle on his hands if he fancies regular first team football.

Captain Waterfall started all but two games en route to promotion last year. With Raggett’s future yet to be decided, who do you expect to be his centre-back partner at Wycombe?

I expected Waterfall and Callum Howe to start the campaign, but as the days roll on I have a feeling we might just hang on to Sean. I think the players know they’re currently playing at the club during a special era. Danny and Nicky will manage much higher, don’t rule out seeing them in the Premier League in ten years time. The players thrive under their regime, they’re fit and man-managed to perfection. Sean is a humble boy, down to earth and very no-nonsense and I’m beginning to wonder if he might be an Imp next season. If he is I predict there will be no better centre half pairing in League Two.

Danny and Nicky Cowley have clearly got the best out of Habergham, with whom they worked at Braintree. Is left-back his best position?

Yes. Sam is mobile but his fitness levels are unreal. He played 56 games last season, missing a couple of FA Trophy matches and the final two games of the campaign once the title was wrapped up. As the season wore on he came to the fore, his free kicks against Torquay and FGR were crucial to us pushing on as the season drew to a close. Sam has real quality about him, he’s served his time at Tamworth and Braintree but he won’t be looking back now. He’s another that could comfortably play League One football, maybe even a step higher.

What are your thoughts ahead of the League Two season as a whole? Any potential dark horses for you?

I like the business Exeter have done, Dean Moxey is a great addition and if they hang on to Ollie Watkins they’ll be in with a shout. I like the look of Cambridge this season too, they did early business but unlike Mansfield it seemed more considered and specific. If we get a couple of fresh faces in before the big kick off we might surprise a few people too.

The bookies have Lincoln among the favourites for League Two promotion – is this fair? Where will you finish?

I think it’s to be expected given last season’s exploits. I think everyone at Sincil Bank expects us to push the top ten this season, anything less than that would be an anti climax. We’re not underestimating this division, not by a long shot, but we believe that the set up at Sincil Bank is the most competitive we’ve had for years. This is the best squad of players I’ve seen in my time as a fan (since 1988), and bear in mind we’ve been third tier in that time. Expect us to compete, whether it’ll be enough for a play off spot remains to be seen.

The Football Lab’s Verdict

Lincoln did themselves proud last year and Knott along with Bostwick will strengthen an already industrious side. Limited experience at this level can be problematic for National League title-winners though, so the Imps may need a year to find their bearings before setting sights a little higher. 14th