Swedish winger Erik Ring is the first player to leave Lincoln City this summer, securing a move to Scottish side Kilmarnock.
The 24-year-old, who takes up one of the club’s ESC slots, has moved north of the border for an undisclosed fee, and was due to play in a friendly for Killie away at Linfield on Saturday.
Ring joined the Imps in August 2024 from Swedish side AIK Stockholm, having come through their Academy and went on to make 49 appearances for City in all competitions.
Last season, he found his chances limited, starting the season with an injury. After a horrible afternoon against Plymouth Argyle, the Stacey West-sponsored player dropped out of favour and never truly found himself back in Michael Skubala’s plans.
That came in sharp contrast to the 2024/25 season, where, despite being in and out of the side, he chipped in with goals and assists, helping us beat Northampton Town in October, as well as bagging in successive matches at the end of the season against Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County.
“Erik needs a fresh start to have the opportunity of regular game time that we cannot offer him,” said sporting director Jez George.
“We can look back on a variety of reasons why this hasn’t happened over the past two years for Erik at Lincoln City, but it is far better to look forward and wish Erik every success in his future career.
“This feels like best for all parties and Erik leaves with everyone’s respect and our sincere best wishes.”
On a personal note, Erik was a personal favourite of mine, but I strongly suspect one of the main reasons for his failure to land properly was physicality. He is quick, direct, and has a wicked shot, but a failure to deal with some of the more physical aspects of the game undoubtedly began to shine through.
Last season, I felt he lost confidence after the Plymouth game. Speaking to him a few weeks later, he admitted he hadn’t had sufficient time to warm up as he came on, and couldn’t run during his awful cameo. That really set him back, and by the time he was approaching fitness, we were already starting out on our epic journey.
The final game against Port Vale was agonising, as he had an open goal for 3-0, and a dream finish to his Imps tenure, but instead, he lashed wide, becoming one of only a couple of outfield players not to register a goal for City in the league.
I’ve no doubt he’ll be a better player for Kilmarnock. It was a pleasure to sponsor him for the 2025/26 season, and hopefully, he goes to Rugby Park and proves what a good player he is, especially as one would expect we have some sort of future interest.
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