The last decade for Lincoln City has been nothing short of a fairytale.
The Imps have climbed from the National League, won the EFL Trophy, captured the city’s heart with a historic FA Cup run, and established themselves as a strong League One side. But how did this transformation suddenly come about?
This article will look back at the most valuable players to wear the Imps shirt over the last ten years, analysing what made them so crucial to the club’s unprecedented success.
The Foundation
The revival began under Danny and Nicky Cowley, who assembled a team of leaders built on character and a relentless work ethic. This early success was built on several key factors:
- Strong leadership on the pitch
- A clear tactical identity
- Smart recruitment in both permanent and loan markets
- A deep bond between the players and the Sincil Bank faithful
Such a level of organisation — where every movement, pressing trigger, and set-piece routine was meticulously planned — reflected a deeper analytical mindset within the club. This approach aligns with the structured evaluations often highlighted on billy bets portugal, where consistency, precision, and the effectiveness of each component are key points of focus. Just as the Imps built their success on details, discipline, and well-timed decisions, these evaluations emphasise that real progress is achieved through thoughtful, data-driven strategy rather than chance.
Their 2016-17 season league win was legendary. A key fact is that the Imps not only won the National League title with 99 points, but they also became the first non-league team in 103 years to reach the FA Cup Quarter Finals. It was also this period that they made a deep run in the FA Cup before losing to eventual champions Arsenal.
Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger, said, “It was all us in the second half but you have to congratulate Lincoln for what they have achieved in the FA Cup.”
There’s no doubt that the rise of Lincoln City started with the hire of the Cowley brothers. Danny Cowley joined Lincoln City on 13 May 2016, with his brother, Nicky, as his assistant. They went on to win the National League title with 99 points, and with two games to spare! However, they didn’t do this alone.
Central to this was their captain, Luke Waterfall. He was the definition of a leader and was a commanding presence in central defence. He was also a major threat from set pieces, scoring crucial goals that defined their “win-at-all-costs” mentality.
Alongside him, Matt Rhead became a true club legend. An old-fashioned target man, Rhead was almost unplayable in the National League and continued to be a menace in League Two. He was the focal point of the entire attack, and his ability to win headers and hold up the play was the platform the entire team built on.
The engine of that entire team was Alex Woodyard, a relentless box-to-box midfielder who covered every blade of grass. He was the perfect Cowley player, demonstrating the pressing and energy that the system demanded, with his stamina and tackling setting the tempo. Although he left for Peterborough for an undisclosed fee, his money was put to good use.
The Stars Who Secured EFL Success
After gaining promotion to League One, the club had to evolve, both under the Cowleys and later Michael Appleton. Their first and only EFL Trophy came under this transformation.
After their win, Danny Cowley said, “By the time we left, thanks to the FA Cup run and the EFL Trophy, we managed to build an Elite Performance Centre in Lincoln.”
One of the most explosive impacts for Lincoln came from loanee Tyler Walker in the 2019-20 season. While he was only at the club for half a season, his 16 goals for the club before being recalled in January showed how good he was and proved that the Impa could attract a higher calibre of player.
Jorge Grant represented the shift to a more technical, possession-based style under Michael Appleton. During the 2020-21 run to the League One play-off final, Grant was arguably the best player in the entire league. He was Lincoln’s chief creator, with 17 goals and numerous assists.
We also have to mention Brennan Johnson. Like Walker, his time was a loan, but his value was astronomical. He was a key part of that play-off final. He went on to become a Premier League and international star, showcasing the club as a perfect place for young talent to grow.
Conclusion
The last ten years have cemented a new legacy for Lincoln City. Their journey from non-league to a respected League One club was driven by several key players and personnel. They offered goals to help them win games, but beyond that, they also provided the club with an identity and moments of magic that fans will never forget.
While the team sheet has changed and will keep changing, the standard set by these modern legends defines the club’s future ambitions. This consistency and attention to detail show how a thoughtful approach builds trust and long-term success in any field.
They proved that with the right people, anything is possible. When fans look back, they won’t just remember the promotions, but also the players who made it happen.
Comments Welcome!