Club Profile
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Overview
Lincoln City Football Club is based in the city of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England. The club competes in EFL League One but has secured promotion to the EFL Championship for the 2026–27 season. Known as “The Imps,” a nickname inspired by local folklore, the team has played its home matches at Sincil Bank since 1895 and traditionally wears red and white.
History
The club was established in 1884 following the collapse of Lincoln Rovers, beginning as an amateur side and playing at John O’Gaunts. They turned professional in 1891–92 and became founder members of the Football League Second Division in 1892. After failing re-election in 1908, 1911, and 1920, Lincoln repeatedly regained their place by winning the Midland League.
In 1921, Lincoln became a founding member of the Third Division North and achieved promotion as champions in 1931–32. Although relegated shortly after, they enjoyed further success with additional Third Division North titles in 1947–48 and 1951–52, the latter leading to a nine-year spell in the second tier.
By 1962, the club had dropped into the Fourth Division, where they remained until Graham Taylor guided them to the title in 1975–76. However, decline followed, and by 1987 Lincoln became the first club to suffer automatic relegation from the Football League. They responded immediately by winning the Conference in 1987–88 to regain their league status.
The late 1990s brought another promotion in 1997–98, though it was followed by immediate relegation. Financial difficulties led to administration in 2002, and after several near misses in the play-offs between 2002 and 2007, the club dropped out of the Football League again in 2011.
A turning point came in 2016–17 under Danny and Nicky Cowley, as Lincoln won the National League title and returned to the Football League. That same season, they reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, becoming the first non-League club in over a century to do so. Continued progress saw them win the EFL Trophy in 2018 and the League Two title in 2018–19. After several competitive seasons in League One, Lincoln secured promotion to the Championship on 6 April 2026 with a 2–1 win over Reading, marking their return to the second tier after 65 years.
Competition Performance
Lincoln City has spent much of its history fluctuating between the third and fourth tiers of English football. They have claimed multiple titles at that level, including the Third Division North championships in 1931–32, 1947–48, and 1951–52, as well as the Fourth Division title in 1975–76 and the League Two title in 2018–19.
The club has also experienced success outside the Football League, notably winning the Conference title in 1987–88 and again in 2016–17. Their FA Cup run in 2016–17 stands out as one of the most remarkable achievements in their history, reaching the quarter-finals as a non-League side.
In cup competitions, Lincoln lifted the EFL Trophy in 2018, securing their first major Wembley victory. They have also had repeated involvement in play-offs, particularly between 2002 and 2007, though they were unable to secure promotion during that period.
Stadium
Lincoln City began playing at John O’Gaunts in 1884 before relocating to Sincil Bank in 1895, which has remained their home ever since. The stadium currently has a capacity of 10,669 and is commonly referred to by supporters as “The Bank.”
In 1982, the ground was sold to the local council due to financial pressures, with the club leasing it back. It was later repurchased in 2000 under chairman John Reames. Over the years, Sincil Bank has hosted various events, including youth international fixtures and women’s football matches, and has undergone gradual improvements to maintain its status as a modern lower-league venue.
Identity
Lincoln City’s identity is closely tied to the legend of the Lincoln Imp, which gives the club both its nickname and crest symbol. The badge has evolved over time, with a traditional imp design reintroduced in 2014 to reflect the club’s heritage.
The team’s classic colours are red and white, typically presented in stripes, although variations have appeared throughout different eras. Black shorts and red socks are also a consistent feature. The club’s supporter base is strongly local, with a reputation for loyalty, particularly during periods outside the Football League.
In modern years, the resurgence under the Cowley brothers and the club’s rise from non-League football has become a defining part of its identity, reinforcing a reputation for resilience and progression.
Rivalries
Lincoln City does not have a single dominant rival, but their fiercest contests are generally against fellow Lincolnshire clubs. Matches with Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United are considered the most significant and form part of the broader Lincolnshire derby.
Other regional sides, including Boston United and Gainsborough Trinity, have historically been rivals, though these fixtures are less frequent due to differences in league status. There are also minor rivalries with clubs such as Mansfield Town, Notts County, and Peterborough United, developed through competitive encounters over time.