There is an old Terry Pratchett line about “interesting times.” May you never live through them.
It refers to those moments of transition when the old order is shifting and the new one is not yet established. They are periods of uncertainty where the next turn can take you to heights never reached before or see you plummet. As Lincoln City supporters, we are living through one of those moments right now.
We are already on an ascent. The club is an established League One side, something that has only happened once before in our history. In the early 1980s, we enjoyed a short run at this level before falling away, and in the 1950s, we were an established second division club before back-to-back relegations dropped us into the fourth tier.
By those standards, what we have achieved in recent seasons is remarkable. But right now, the path ahead could lead to sustained progress or a significant slide, and the difference will be decided in the next few weeks.
Reasons for Optimism
I have always preferred to focus on the positives. Yes, Saturday’s result at Wimbledon was disappointing. We had little to offer after the red card and never looked like recovering. It was a justified dismissal, and it killed the game as a contest. With Wimbledon’s defensive record, the chances of a comeback were slim. Had it stayed eleven versus eleven, I suspect it might have finished goalless.
That game aside, the performances have been encouraging. Reading were limited going forward and we took advantage, while the Carabao Cup win at Harrogate was exactly the sort of convincing result we have not always managed in the past. Last season we failed to beat them at this stage of the competition. This time we attacked with purpose, registering over forty touches in their box, and scored three good goals.
Jack Moylan impressed before going off injured, Erik Ring looked bright, Rob Street was excellent, and Freddie Draper worked hard. Ethan Hamilton got ninety minutes under his belt and was influential. The squad may be stretched, but the players on the fringes showed they can contribute. Youngsters Noah Simmons and Gbolahan Okewoye made senior debuts, while Zane Okoro added more minutes. There is genuine quality emerging from the youth ranks.
The Other Side of the Coin
This is where the “interesting times” part comes in. The squad is thin. Ben House, Dom Jefferies, Reeco Hackett and Montsma are injured. Moylan’s problem could keep him out. Ring is only just returning. We still have no recognised left-back and the forward options are limited.
Recruitment has been challenging. We have missed out on players because of wages and have chosen not to sign others who would not represent an upgrade. Some supporters will say any left-back is better than none, but taking on a League Two-standard player just to fill the shirt can leave you saddled with a wage commitment that does not fit our model. Michael Skubala has been clear that we cannot afford misses in the transfer market.
There have been links to Ukrainian midfielder Ivan Varfolomeyev, and that sort of signing would fit the profile we are looking for. But we also need that left-back and at least one more forward option. Three strong additions could transform our prospects. Without them, the risk grows, as do those rumblings from more than the usual dissenters.
Backing the Manager and the Recruitment Team
I will always try to back a Lincoln City manager unless there is a serious reason not to. I supported Chris Sutton until he left, and I backed Mark Kennedy until his final weeks and despite having my own personal concerns. I have no doubts about Michael Skubala. Criticism of supposed breakdowns in relationships does not match what I have seen.
Recruitment is often judged only by the most recent window, but we should acknowledge the successes. Sean Roughan’s sale, the Jovan Makama fee, the deal for Ethan Erhahon all show that part of our recruitment model works. Yes, this is a big test for the recruitment team, but so was getting those deals done, and they passed.
Peterborough have had far more transfer misses than hits, but can afford them because the big wins outweigh the losses. We cannot work that way. Every signing matters. That is why this period is so critical.
The Next Eighteen Days
The run-up to the transfer deadline will shape our season. Get the right players in, and we can aim for the top ten or better. Fail to strengthen and the injuries we already have could leave us vulnerable.
A big cup tie, perhaps even at Old Trafford, could help with recruitment by putting the club in the spotlight. The opportunity is there to build on what we have. The danger is that without those final additions we stall or slide.
These are interesting times for Lincoln City. The ingredients for success are visible, but the next step depends on recruitment, on fitness, and on a little bit of luck. If it all comes together, interesting times could turn into very good times indeed.
If it does not, that old saying will take on a different meaning entirely.