Welcome to Lincoln: The Underdogs Poised to Host Big Premier League Names
Lincoln City have achieved something remarkable. On Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, the Imps secured automatic promotion to the EFL Championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory away at Reading. This marks their return to the second tier of English football for the first time since the 1960/61 season — ending a 65-year absence.
The promotion was sealed in style. Ryan Oné gave Lincoln an early lead in the fifth minute. Reading equalised deep into stoppage time through Lewis Wing, but Jack Moylan responded almost immediately with a winner in the 96th minute. With five games remaining, Lincoln sit top of League One on 90 points from 41 matches (27 wins, 9 draws, 5 losses), an unassailable lead that confirms their place in the 2026/27 Championship campaign.
A True Underdog Story
Lincoln’s rise is one of the most heartwarming tales in modern English football. Just nine years ago, they were competing in the National League (non-league). Under the Cowley brothers earlier in their ascent, they enjoyed back-to-back promotions and a memorable FA Cup run as non-league underdogs, reaching the quarter-finals after defeating Premier League side Burnley.
This season, they have done it on one of the smallest budgets in League One — ranked around 17th out of 24 clubs in spending. Despite limited resources, they have topped the table through a high-work-rate, front-footed style emphasising togetherness, big chances created, and clinical finishing rather than possession or star power.
The squad blends experienced campaigners like captain Tendayi Darikwa, Sonny Bradley, and James Collins with smart recruitment and homegrown talent. They have developed and sold players profitably, including a club-record fee for Jovon Makama, while bringing in talents like Ukrainian U21 international Ivan Varfolomeev. As Darikwa has noted, this is a group that “fights for every single ball” — an intangible quality that money cannot buy.
The Architect: Michael Skubala
Much of the credit goes to head coach Michael Skubala, appointed in November 2023. Quiet, thoughtful, and steady, Skubala previously served as interim manager at Leeds United (where he famously drew 2-2 at Manchester United) and worked with England futsal. He has built a resilient “special group,” guiding Lincoln to a club-record unbeaten league run stretching over 23-24 games — the longest in the top four divisions this season.
Skubala’s contract runs until 2028, and he has repeatedly emphasised focusing on the process rather than the outcome. His approach has turned a club that finished 15th in the Conference a decade ago into Championship contenders through collective effort and smart decision-making.
American Ownership and Long-Term Vision
Lincoln benefit from American ownership links, including Ron Fowler and strategic advisor Landon Donovan. The ownership model prioritises sensible, sustainable development over short-term extravagance. This prudent approach has allowed the club to overachieve consistently while planning upgrades to Sincil Bank (LNER Stadium), which currently holds around 10,700 fans.
Looking Ahead: Championship Football and Potential Big Names
Promotion opens exciting possibilities. In the Championship, Lincoln could face (or host) sides with recent Premier League pedigree. Fans are already dreaming of “Tottenham away” or clashes against clubs like West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Burnley, or Wolves if they drop down or remain competitive. Sincil Bank could soon welcome some big Premier League names — a far cry from recent League One fixtures.
The club has previously benefited from Premier League academy loans, such as Morgan Rogers and Brennan Johnson in past seasons. With promotion secured, expect more interest in their own players as well as opportunities for smart incoming recruitment.
Survival will be the immediate priority next season — the jump to the Championship is significant. Yet Lincoln’s model of community focus, player development, and togetherness has proven it can punch above its weight. Season tickets are already selling rapidly as excitement builds.
This is a classic underdog tale in an era increasingly dominated by financial power. From non-league obscurity to the brink of the Premier League pyramid in under a decade, Lincoln City embody what makes English football special. If they maintain their mentality and smart approach, the Imps’ story may have many more chapters yet.
What a journey it has been — and what a season it continues to be for the Lincoln faithful.
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