There was a time when Billy Heath was being mentioned as a possible Lincoln City manager.
That was in April 2016, not long after Chris Moyses announced he was stepping down, and while Danny and Nicky took the job, there were those wanting Heath, with him referenced in one of the earliest articles on this site.
He’s now finally come to work in the city, but not for City – he’s a United man. The Whites have made a major statement by appointing the seasoned non-League boss as their new manager, signalling clear intent as they look to climb the Northern Premier League Division One East table.
Heath arrives with a strong reputation, which saw him linked with the Imps’ roles. He had built that across successful spells with FC Halifax Town, Alfreton Town and North Ferriby, and he also has a longstanding personal link to the Whites through his time as a centre-back at the club during the 1990s.
⚪️🔴Lincoln United have today announced that Billy Heath will take over as manager from next week.⛪️
👉@joshua_birkin took a deeper look into what the former centre back has achieved since leaving Ashby Avenue as a player.#UTW |📸 @edmayesphoto
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https://t.co/MhK9V2iBpR— LincSport (@LincSport) November 28, 2025
His managerial achievements are well known. He famously guided North Ferriby to FA Trophy success at Wembley and secured promotion to the National League, while more recently spending seven years in charge at Alfreton Town. He was in charge of North Ferriby on the day I feel was a real nadir in the National League days – our 4-0 home defeat in the FA Trophy.
That pedigree, according to Director of Football Dave Frecklington, is exactly what Lincoln United wanted as they continue their ambitious rise through the pyramid.
“When we earned promotion from Step 5, we were determined not to simply make up the numbers,” said the former Imps trainee.
“Whilst nothing is guaranteed in football, we wanted a manager who will challenge our goals and push our potential.
“Recruitment, standards and drive must match the commitment shown by our volunteers, supporters and board.
“We want everyone to know we are serious about competing at the top end of this league.”
Chairman Stuart Reddington, once of Chelsea, echoed that sentiment, calling the appointment a significant moment and emphasising the importance of bringing in a manager with proven quality and a track record of building competitive squads.
“Billy’s appointment marks a significant moment for Lincoln United,” he said.
“As a board, we knew we needed a manager with proven quality, leadership, and a consistent record of building successful teams, and Billy brings all of that in abundance.”
“His achievements across non-league football speak volumes, but just as importantly, he understands what it means to represent this club.
“Having worn the shirt himself, he knows the values, expectations and community that define Lincoln United.
“We are ambitious, and we make no apology for it. Our supporters, volunteers and players deserve a club that strives for the highest standards both on and off the pitch.”
Heath will officially start work next week alongside incoming assistant Mark Carroll. Frecklington will oversee the team for Saturday’s visit to North Ferriby.
The Whites currently sit 18th in the Northern Premier League Division One East, one place above the relegation zone, and hope this appointment provides the spark needed to climb the table.
From an Imps perspective, it will be interesting to see Heath working with Charlie Carlisle and Daniel Vanderpuye, both on loan at Ashby Avenue.