Lincoln City record holder Jack Hobbs has taken his first steps into senior management after being appointed first-team manager of FCV Grace Dieu.
The 38-year-old remains the youngest player ever to represent the Imps, having made his debut against Bristol Rovers in January 2005 at the age of 16 years and 149 days.
Hobbs replaced Matt Bloomer during the closing stages of a 1-1 draw at Sincil Bank, breaking the record previously held by Shane Nicholson. It proved to be his only senior appearance for City before Liverpool secured his services later that year.
He went on to build an impressive career in the professional game, representing Scunthorpe United, Leicester City, Hull City, Nottingham Forest and Bolton Wanderers. The central defender made more than 300 senior appearances, played in the Premier League and was capped three times by England at under-19 level.
Hobbs was part of the Leicester side that won the League One title in 2008/09, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year. He later captained Hull and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League in 2012/13.
After retiring, he returned to Sincil Bank in September 2021 as an assistant coach within the academy’s shadow scholarship programme. He subsequently joined FCV International Football Academy and has worked within its coaching structure since January 2023.
Hobbs has now been appointed manager of the academy’s senior side, which competes in Midland League Division One.
FCV Grace Dieu were formed in 2023 and provide a pathway into senior football for players studying at the academy. They won the Nottinghamshire Senior League Premier Division and League Cup in 2024/25 before finishing sixth in United Counties League Division One last season.
The club have since been transferred into the Midland League and believe Hobbs’ familiarity with the players will provide continuity following Shane Clarke’s departure.The former Imp’s departure was also announced today, coming after he won 86 of his 128 games in charge.
A club statement said Hobbs brought “considerable football experience” as a former professional player and UEFA A Licence coach. It added that his existing involvement with the first-team environment meant he understood the club, its players and the principles behind its progress.
His appointment represents another significant step in a coaching career which began back where his playing journey started, with Lincoln City.
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