The Lincoln Imp has been watching over the city for centuries, but now he is watching over champions. For the first time in his long history, he has been dressed in a Lincoln City shirt to celebrate our success.
Perched high inside Lincoln Cathedral, the famous carving has taken on a new look, marking a moment that neatly captures the connection between the city and its football club. The Imp, located in the Angel Choir, has long been a symbol of Lincoln itself, and by extension, the club that proudly carries his name.
The honour of dressing the Imp fell to Stuart Boyfield, the Cathedral’s longest-serving member of staff, who has dedicated almost 50 years to his role and is also a lifelong supporter of the Imps. In a moment that felt both historic and personal, he carried out the task for the first time ever, watched on by City players Jack Moylan and Ivan Varfolomeev.
The gesture is more than a visual celebration. It reflects the way the club’s achievements this season have reached far beyond the pitch and into the heart of the wider community. That sentiment was echoed by the Dean of Lincoln, Simon Jones, who spoke about the shared sense of pride across the city.
“Lincoln City Football Club and Lincoln Cathedral might seem like very different kinds of organisation, but at the heart of both are people and communities. The team’s performance has brought joy to so many people and there is a sense of pride across the city.
“As the home of the Lincoln Imp we’re delighted that the city, and the football club have taken him to their hearts, and dressing the Lincoln Imp in the colours of the club seems a fitting tribute to the success of the team and the wonderful passion of their supporters. We hope it brings a smile to people’s faces when they spot it.”
For the players, it is another reminder of just how much this season has meant. Moylan, who has been central to the campaign, admitted the moment underlined the scale of what has been achieved.
“It has been up there for 800 years and they think this is the first time they’ve ever put anything on it, which shows how much the city has come together to get behind the football club.
“It’s great to see everyone come together to celebrate, and we’re so grateful to everyone at the Cathedral for their support”.
The shirt will remain in place until after the open-top bus parade on Saturday, May 9, ensuring that one of the city’s oldest symbols continues to play its part in one of its most memorable modern stories.
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