Lincoln City’s latest Fans’ Forum once again strayed from the conventional norms.
I am not a fan’s forum fan, so to speak. Or, I should say, I’m not a fan of the old-style fan forum. A table of people, questions about celebrating in front of the St Andrew’s Stand, and why we don’t leave a man up at corners. It’s the same every year, or it was, until recently.
In the last couple of seasons, the club have sought to redefine the fan’s forum for a modern age. Last night was an evening full of insight, storytelling and a clear sense that the Imps are being guided with purpose.
Ivan Varfolomeev Transfer Tales
The highlight for many last night was Jez George’s storytelling, particularly around the Ivan Varfolomeev transfer saga. The details are not in the public domain, but the way he presented it had all the twists and turns of a TV drama. It underlined the lengths the recruitment team will go to secure the right player.
There was also a strong sense that one of our summer targets, a left back, is still very much an active pursuit. Again, fans who attended were asked not to splash details across the internet, and that’s a deal we’re happy to make. In exchange for a candid and informative forum, those in attendance agree not to shout everything from the rooftop. It’s a fair trade.
A Team Effort
What shone through most clearly was just how relentless the club’s behind-the-scenes operation has become. Jez and his team are leaving no stone unturned, whether that’s in Prague, Dublin or beyond. Strategic positions, such as the long-term need at left-back, are clearly mapped out, and the patience to wait for the right player is reassuring.
The forum also offered a reminder that signings are not down to one person but a collective effort. Those who doubt the club’s direction rarely attend these evenings, which is a shame. Seeing first-hand the bond between Clive Nates, Jez George, Michael Skubala and others, it is impossible not to feel reassured that the club is in good hands.
This is a different forum, perhaps from those under a couple of former managers. There is a synergy between the key figures, and that shines through to anyone taking the time to attend.
Squad Strength and Balance
Michael Skubala himself was open about the challenges of squad selection now that every player feels like a legitimate starter. It is a problem of the best kind, a transformation from being threadbare only a month ago to having difficult decisions about who misses out. The focus now is on keeping harmony in the group and managing minutes, but it is a sign of genuine progress.
Conclusion
For those who chose to be in the room, it was another reminder of why optimism is justified. The club is moving forward with clarity, graft and togetherness. In the past, there was often no Stacey West presence at the event. Last night, we had a couple of the team there, because they’re now worth attending.
The naysayers on social media may cling to their negativity, but for anyone listening last night, it is obvious that we’re trying to move in the right direction. Being a critical supporter is not wrong, by the way, but the best critics are those who take the time to attend these events and ask the questions they seek answers to, rather than simply posing open-ended rhetoric on Twitter.