I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Liam Scully, CEO of Lincoln City, about a number of issues today. One of the most pressing for Imps fans is the progress of both the training ground and ultimately our new home away from Sincil Bank.
Firstly, the training ground (the picture at the top is NOT the new facility or part of it, it is our old complex at Carlton Boulevard). They say no news is good news and in this instance that saying is very true. Progress has been made, significant progress, but for various reasons nothing more can be said at this time. Liam confessed that they’ve been saying an announcement is ten days away, but perhaps repeating that message for longer than ten days. Here’s the established facts; a location has been found and a deal has been agreed. The specifics of that cannot be put into the public domain at the moment, but the hold up is not something to be concerned about.
We know Danny has suggested the need for a training ground is pressing and that isn’t lost on those driving it at the club. Nobody is sat on their hands here, nobody is slowing the process, it does simply take time. However, I can confirm that things have progressed significantly and that the club will, in due course, reveal all. Liam isn’t one to keep good news under wraps if he doesn’t have too, the mantra is very much about communication which is why we’ve been told news is imminent. Very soon there will be something to discuss and when that is the case, fans will be told quickly. The silence is not a sign of things going wrong, unforeseen hold-ups or anything else the doom-mongers might be peddling, it is merely crossing the ‘t’s, dotting the ‘i’s and sealing the deal in blood.
Less pressing in terms of urgency, but far more important in terms of the long-term future of the club is the move to a new ground. Once again Liam was decidedly open about the process and how far down the line we are. Progress is described as ‘tangible and real’, with the board issuing him with a clear mandate regarding what they expect from the ground. 365 days commercial viability and return from a ground that forms part of a wider ‘leisure village’ in the Western Growth Corridor.
However, there will be no compromise on certain aspects. The club is very clear what the ground must do as a football stadium and how important it is to fans of the club and any serious movements forward will take time. There will be no rush to build something that doesn’t fit the needs of the fan and discussions will take place around a host of issues from safe standing to incorporating elements unique to Lincoln and representing the football club.
The next step is going out to public consultation, but one thing is for sure; whenever a significant decision has to be made, expect the fans to play a part in that. we’re not going to get lumbered with a poor excuse for a ground, devoid of character and history. We’re not going to get a build-by-numbers plan that has been replicated up and down the country. I get the impression we’ll get something unique to Lincoln, representative of the history and culture of the club but retaining key elements from Sincil Bank as well. Expect a cathedral view f possible, expect club colours and something bespoke to our club.
In reality there is no solid news, any move is several years away as yet and no matter how many times you tag Clive on Twitter or DM Liam for further comment, nothing will change that. Unless you’re Doc Brown in a Delorean you’re not going to learn anything yet because nothing has been decided. There’s no blueprint, no plans, no solid design, nothing. there’s a clear plan, there are wheels set in motion, but beyond that there is a phenomenal amount of work to do before we even break ground.
You can listen to Liam’s comments on the new ground and the training ground below, starting with me asking about a new ground.
Coming up later: We discuss the Checkatrade Trophy, fan disorder and what ‘good’ looks like if you’re the CEO of Lincoln City.
Enjoyed the article – and especially the audio clip at the end.
Great audio & well explained I would like a bronze Lancaster bomber statue outside the ground roll on a next year for more news
Nobody is sitting… you would not say nobody is ran. You would say nobody is running. Nobody is sat sounds just as ridiculous. It is the only slight on your writing.
Appreciate the feedback Geoff I’ll take it on board.
Very interesting article thank you, particularly about the training ground, which feels like a massive short term issue as made totally clear by Danny Cowley. The interview with Liam was very welcome. It does however bring into sharp focus how poor the club has been at keeping supporters informed over very many years, and to me there is a big gap still to be filled. I understand that it is not always possible to share information fully for one reason or another (e.g. for legal or commercial reasons) but I do feel the club should say what they can about key issues without necessarily being asked. Perhaps the evolving new regime can introduce more structured, and reasonably regular, communication at some point soon to all their supporters.