The Imps are now into a 13-day break from action after a thrilling Christmas, and while we’re all getting back to work, the players have other plans.
A sensational festive period saw us claim 13 points from 15, and we deserved all 15 after battering Huddersfield for most of our encounter. However, the packed schedule meant that while we were enjoying football interspersed with alcohol, cold turkey and warm cheer, the players were going through the most punishing of schedules.
On Christmas night, as we flopped on the sofa bellies full of what is basically just a Sunday dinner nobody wants any other Sunday of the year (turkey over beef or lamb? No chance), the players were away from their families in a Manchester hotel. As we partied late in 2025, early into 2026, they were tucked up in bed with visions of the Terriers on their minds.
They now get the sort of break we enjoy at Christmas, and while we do have momentum, Michael Skubala confirmed after the Peterborough win that the break is most welcome.
“Sometimes people say a rest is not good because it can stop the flow,” he said immediately after our 5-2 win against Posh. “I think for us at the moment it’s a really good thing. The lads have got a few days off, mentally as well.
“You go through the Christmas and New Year period with loads of games. It’s brilliant for fans because they see loads of football and some really good goals, but for the lads you don’t get much time with family and friends.”
That’s something many are correcting, and as Michael pointed out, the tinsel might be back in the attic for many of us, but the players will finally get to pull their crackers around the dinner table.
“They’ll have a mini Christmas now, a couple of days off, then back into work at the end of the week, planning for Luton, which is going to be another big game.”
One or two are certainly enjoying their time off, with George Wickens reportedly soaking up the atmosphere in Prague, while Super Jack Moylan (that’s the name on his birth certificate, I’ve checked) is back in Ireland for some early January celebrations. One would imagine Adam Reach is visiting God for Christmas, given that he’s been the Messiah this Christmas.
I don’t think there is an Imps’ fan in the land that would begrudge the squad some time off after the delicious Christmas treats they served up in December and early January. Merry belated Christmas, lads, here’s to enjoying it in the Championship next season!