Clive Nates has brought his active involvement with Lincoln City to an end after stepping down as Co-Vice Chairman of both the football club and its holding company.
The former chairman will no longer carry out day-to-day responsibilities or serve on the club’s committees. However, he will remain a non-executive director of Lincoln City Football Club and Lincoln City Holdings, as well as continuing as a shareholder.
His decision closes a hugely significant chapter in the club’s modern history, almost a decade after he first joined the board in February 2016. During that period, City rose from the National League to the Championship, reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and lifted the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley. There was also considerable development away from the pitch as the club’s ownership and infrastructure evolved.
Clive served as chairman throughout much of that transformation before overseeing the transition which resulted in Ron Fowler taking over the position in February 2026.
After reflecting on the level of involvement he could offer in the future, the 68-year-old has now decided to step away from all active duties.
In a personal statement, Clive explained that his time at Lincoln City had allowed him to fulfil a long-held ambition of becoming involved with an English football club.
“I have lived my dream of being involved with an English football club. I was fortunate my first love Everton led me to another brilliant club in a beautiful city.
“However, all things must come to an end and my active involvement in Lincoln City will now cease with the decision to step down as co-vice chairman of both the football club and holding company. I will, though, remain as a non-executive director of both companies by virtue of holding the third largest stake, albeit now a relatively small one, in Lincoln City Holdings.”
Clive revealed that a period of ill health had given him time to consider whether he was still able to make the contribution he wanted to make.
“A recent long period of illness, from which I have thankfully largely recovered, provided me with significant time for reflection as to my future and whether I could still contribute meaningfully to the club. The conclusion that I no longer was able to do so culminated in the decision to step back completely.
“Life feels very short when you reach 68 and there are some other exciting ventures I still wish to pursue that I believe will provide me with the same motivation the Imps have done for so long.”
His association with City began during a particularly difficult period, with the club struggling in the National League and facing an uncertain financial future.
Clive’s investment and leadership formed part of the platform from which the Imps’ fortunes changed. The appointments of Danny and Nicky Cowley followed in 2016, preceding the National League title, the historic FA Cup run and a first appearance at Wembley.
City subsequently established themselves back in the EFL, won promotion from League Two and eventually secured a place in the Championship.
Clive paid tribute to the supporters, fellow investors and colleagues who had shared the journey with him.
“It has been an extraordinary ten years with Lincoln City since first joining the board in February 2016. I will always be incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support of our fans during my time with the club and for the significant contributions financially and otherwise of the many investors that came on board during this decade.
“Our success has truly been a team effort, and the friendships, camaraderie and banter played a big part in enriching the experience and making this journey such an enjoyable and memorable one.
“Once an Imp, always an Imp.”
Ron described his predecessor’s contribution as one of the foundations of City’s progress over the past decade.
“Clive’s contribution to Lincoln City has been truly outstanding. His passion, commitment, leadership and support have helped to shape one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
“Over many years, Clive has given an enormous amount of time, energy and care to Lincoln City. His influence has been felt across the whole club, and everyone connected with the Imps owes him a huge debt of gratitude.
“Clive remains a highly valued member of the Lincoln City family. For the avoidance of any doubt, he will remain a shareholder in Lincoln City Holdings and a director of both Lincoln City Football Club and Lincoln City Holdings.”
Ron also confirmed that Vice Chairman Jay Wright and director David Lowes will continue to play important roles within the club’s leadership structure.
“I am also delighted that we will continue to benefit from the ongoing support of Vice Chairman Jay Wright and Director David Lowes. Both have been longstanding members of the board and the former Executive Committee, and have lifelong, multi-generational connections with the club.
“Their knowledge of Lincoln City’s history, the club’s values and the local landscape is incredibly important to me. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them as we move into the next chapter of the club’s development.”
There has also been a change to the club’s Strategy Board, with Amanda Slater stepping down from her role as John O’Gaunt’s representative on June 30. Her departure was part of changes agreed before Liquid Investments, Inc. assumed operational and financial control of the club in February.
Phil Scrafton will remain on the Strategy Board as City’s Fan-Elected Director and will continue to represent the interests of supporters through the Red Imps Community Trust.
“It has been a pleasure getting to know Amanda and learning more about John O’Gaunt’s membership, its long history and its association with Lincoln City, as well as the important role of the Red Imps Community Trust,” added Ron.
“We are pleased that Phil Scrafton will continue to serve on the Strategy Board as the club’s Fan-Elected Director. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Phil and the Trust as we enter the next phase of the club’s development and seek to be responsible custodians of this great club.”
Although Clive will no longer be involved in an active capacity, his influence on Lincoln City is likely to remain visible for many years. He arrived with the Imps outside the EFL and leaves his executive responsibilities with the club preparing for Championship football.
Few figures in City’s history have overseen such a dramatic and sustained period of progress, and he will always be a hero in Lincoln. Always.
Head over to our YouTube channel, where we’ll be live from 5 pm on 24th July, discussing Clive’s impact and legacy.
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