In the second and final part of the series, LincSport looks back at the highs and lows of the 2023 for Lincoln City and what could be expected in the new year.
Unsettled period at the club?
2023 saw the first time that the club had sacked a manager mid-season, as opposed to leaving by mutual consent, or being poached by another club since 2014.
At the start of the year, the club seemed in a stable position both on and off the field with a manager who had settled, developed his philosophy onto his side and a steady rise up the table was evident.
Even in summer with the additions that were made to the side, the club seemed content with the direction of the team, with high hopes for the season. The transfers added stability, ensuring the club were no longer so heavily reliant on loan players.
Throughout this season the club has experienced wholesale injuries to the squad, causing selection headaches for managers. As most injuries seem to be in and around the front line, the goals have as a result been lacking.
The lack of wins has caused unrest within the club, as the progress that could have been is no longer seen.
After the sacking of Kennedy, a run of seven games were played without a head coach in place. While Tom Shaw did an excellent job at steering the ship through troubled waters, a month of confusion over the direction of the club, and who would be the man to come in felt an eternity.
The club decided on Skubala as the right man for the job, and he needs time to really implement his management style, although it is always a risk to appoint a manager with no EFL head coach experience.
A tricky and congested Christmas fixture list haven’t helped the new head coach, as he still searches for his first win at the LNER Stadium.
LincSport editor Jamie Johnson says:
“In a very un-like Lincoln way, the club has had a bit of an unsettled period. With Mark Kennedy’s sudden dismissal, City fell into a short chaos. I think Tom Shaw did a good job of calming that, even if his interim spell lasted longer than desired. Michael Skubala has ended the time of uncertainty, but his impact is yet to be fully felt.”
2023 in-review:
LincSport deputy editor Spencer O’Leary says:
“As per most seasons, there have been plenty of highs and lows to City’s year, but this year feels more of an extreme. There were plenty of highs such as having a strong home record last season, with clear progress up the table, finishing in a strong top-half position in League One. The transfer business on paper was strong and still can prove to be in the future. A strong start to the season too further boosted the positive hopes of an outside play-off push.
“However, results from last season have not continued into the end of the year, especially at home, not winning since October. A managerial change and a month of uncertainty over the new head coach was certainly not in the Lincoln City script in August; neither the staggering number of injuries, which has led a sour taste to the back end of 2023.”
Looking ahead to 2024:
With the new year now upon us, LincSport’s Finley Smithson has a look at what could be ahead.
He says: “2024 could be a positive year for Lincoln, depending on the January transfer window. If Skubala is able to sign the right players to suit his method of football, we could still see a play-off push in the second half of the season.
“I already think Lincoln are comfortable in the division, and at this stage should only be looking up. In my opinion, Lincoln should look to push further in cup competitions come next season. City had a famous FA Cup run six years ago, and the fans care about the cups just as much.”
The new year could bring new promise for Lincoln, with January recruits patching up the injury troubles in the attempt of a late play-off push.