Michael Skubala has been nominated for Manager of the Month for a second time this season, after a stellar December few imagined we’d achieve.
Usually, City are crap at Christmas, but we’re emerging as one of the division’s standout sides during an unbeaten run that delivered 13 points from five matches and firmly underlined the Imps’ promotion credentials.
Victories over Cardiff City and Stockport County, both direct rivals in the upper reaches of the table, were the standout results, but it was the manner of our performances that caught the eye. Skubala’s side repeatedly showed an ability to absorb pressure, stay composed in difficult moments, and strike decisively when opportunities arose. That resilience, combined with tactical flexibility and collective discipline, has become a hallmark of this Lincoln team as they continue to exceed outside expectations.
The month opened with a commanding 3-1 home win over Barnsley before a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Blackpool. Back-to-back victories against Cardiff at the Bank and Stockport at Edgeley Park followed, either side of Christmas, before the Imps rounded off December with a controlled 2-0 away success at Barnsley. It was a sequence of results that showcased consistency, adaptability, and growing belief within the squad.
Skubala finds himself nominated for Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month alongside several strong contenders, and the fact we played two of those contenders, winning one and drawing one, will surely go in his favour.
Other contenders
Brian Barry-Murphy oversaw an impressive December at Cardiff City, guiding his side to 15 points from six matches. All five of Cardiff’s wins came by a single goal, highlighting the confidence and character instilled in a youthful squad, although their only defeat of the month came against us.
At Blackpool, Ian Evatt continued to lift the mood at Bloomfield Road following his return to the club. Starting December third from bottom, Blackpool went unbeaten in five matches, collecting 13 points and posting an eye-catching 12-2 goal difference, including a draw with the Imps.
Meanwhile, Luke Williams has quickly made his mark at Peterborough United. A simplified 4-2-3-1 system has revitalised their attacking play while easing the strain on the defence, delivering 13 points from five games and restoring momentum after a difficult period.
If I had to wager, I suspect Williams will get it, because his 5-2 thumping at the Bank came after December.