Michael Skubala has paid tribute to Lewis Montsma after the defender’s move to Scotland, reflecting on his impact at Lincoln City and explaining why the time was right for both player and club.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Plymouth this weekend, the City head coach looked back on a spell that included standout performances, major injury setbacks, and a return defined by resilience rather than reward.
Skubala was clear about the regard in which Montsma is held at Sincil Bank, praising both his contribution on the pitch and his attitude away from it.
“He has been immense during his time at this club and wore the badge with pride,” said Michael. “He trained really hard every day. The last couple of years with his ACL injuries were difficult for everyone, including himself. To come back from one ACL is very difficult, and to come back from two shows true resilience. He is a bit of a legend here for what he did for the club.
“At the same time, he found it difficult to get into the starting 11 this year. There comes a point where, for the benefit of Lewis, he needs to go and play some football. I think it is a great move for him, six months in the Scottish Premiership to get his career back on track.
“We are really pleased for him and excited for him, and hopefully he can get back playing more regularly.”
Those comments neatly sum up the reality of Montsma’s final months at City. While his standing within the club has never been in doubt, opportunities in a settled back line have been limited, and Skubala acknowledged that regular football was now the priority.
Montsma has joined Dundee on a six-month deal, with the Scottish Premiership club holding an option to extend the move, subject to international clearance. The 27-year-old links up again with former City midfielder Ethan Hamilton at Dens Park, offering a familiar face as he looks to re-establish himself at senior level.
The defender arrived in Lincoln in the summer of 2020 from FC Dordrecht and made an immediate and unforgettable impression. On his debut, he scored against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Cup, before finding the net again against Bradford City and Liverpool in the same competition. His threat from set pieces carried into the league campaign, including a memorable goal against Charlton Athletic, as he finished his first season with nine goals in all competitions and a place in the PFA League One Team of the Year.
That campaign cemented his status as one of the division’s standout centre halves and, for many supporters, as a cult hero almost overnight. However, January 2022 marked the start of a difficult period when he suffered a serious ACL injury against Oxford United, ruling him out for nine months. Having fought his way back, further misfortune followed with another ACL injury in April 2023 against Fleetwood Town, keeping him sidelined throughout the entire 2023–24 season.
City’s decision to extend his contract during that period spoke volumes about how highly he was regarded behind the scenes. Montsma eventually returned to action in August 2024 in the League Cup and passed the 100 appearance mark for the club the following year, reaching 12 goals in red and white despite everything he had endured.