Off top spot tonight, lost 2-0 and FGR scored 95th minute to win 2-1, i think they play each other on saturday? Praying for Lincoln to get a win, rather anyone than fgr

Tranmere have a good chance to win that league still

Tranmere are the team Lincoln want to be worried about I think. 2 points behind after tonight's games and only played 1 more, rather than FGR's 3 more.

I've nothing at all against Lincoln but it would be quite funny to see their season implode having  looked like Champions Elect.

They do indeed

Big game Saturday, I'll be watching

Lincoln City v FGR........ National League.....    12:15  ....   BT Sport 1 / BT Sport 1 HD / BT Sport 4K UHD

Brilliant Last Min Win FGR
Brilliant results
FGR win sat that's six points

Lincoln have games in hand, which is never the same as points in the bag.  If they beat the veggies then that should be enough to see them off.  Lose and Lincoln are in serious trouble.  I would not fancy them to do it again in the play-offs.

Tranmere are right in the mix, although they have an inferior goal-difference.

The signs are there that Lincoln's cup-runs have drained the players at the critical stage of the season.  They are probable victims of their own success.

I'm in Lincoln with work tomorrow - I'll listen out for the sound of choking!

I just love the fact that I couldn't give a toss about the national league - who wins it and who doesn't.  :)

I for one would much rather FGR win, want Lincoln to fail miserably.

Quoted from supertown

Tranmere have a good chance to win that league still

Hope so. Have them on a treble with Sheffield united and hull to go down.

Yep, points on the board is much more important than games in hand.  If Lincoln lose on Saturday, I think that could be the end of their title challenge.  Quite incredible how our Lincolnshire rivals have imploded recently.

* chuckle *

Quoted from chaos33

I just love the fact that I couldn't give a toss about the national league - who wins it and who doesn't.  :)

Agreed. As i was reading this thread, my overriding thought was, i don't really care. I still remember all those Gimps coming on here when we got relegated, taking the p1ss and i said then that football is cyclical and what goes around comes around. Deciding who you would like to see promoted from Lincoln, VGR and Tranmere is like someone asking me if i'd rather be shot, burned at the stake or drowned. Sh1tty choice either way.

Anyone but Lincoln for me (yes)

Quoted from Mariner Ronnie

Hope so. Have them on a treble with Sheffield united and hull to go down.

Can't see Sheffield Utd going down ;)

Lincoln are going to fook it up ha ha ha . And their managers are going to get poached in the summer ha ha ha . Then they'll return to being nothing when their South African chairman transfers all the cup money to a dodgy bank account somewhere like Zimbabwe ha ha ha

dont like any of them three lol

I'd still rather us be playing Lincoln next season than VGR

I've got FGR in my lucky 15 and they're closer to me so I'd rather them go up.. Although I don't like their chairman or what his plans for a excrement supported club are I'm being selfish in this case

Give me Lincoln to go up any day. Yes I know their fans are weird but atleast they are a club with football league history unlike FGR who are tinpot, and next season in league 2 Lincoln will fetch nigh on 1000 fans probably, FGR won't.

From us having past experience in that league having a good cup run in both cups really felicitations your league position up we should that, oh well I said before well done Lincoln you fked your league up now aha

I can remember the Lincoln fans taking the urine when we went into non league, I can't forget that so I hope they fail miserably, also I had to listen to the radio Lincolnshire commentary once and the biased commentary was unbelievable, they couldn't bear to give Grimsby any credit whatsoever, sod em!

They've sort of taken promotion for granted since they beat Burnley - would love them to f**k it up.

Lincoln - Pubs, bars and restaurants galore plus a proper tall church.
Football ground not at the top of a steep hill.
Nailsworth - few boozers and a cafe.
Football ground at the top of a steep hill.

I would rather Lincoln come up than their two rivals BUT since the press overkill with DC and the Imps I must confess I don't really give a hoot. I made a rare visit to Lincoln Vital this morning after reading this post and seeing they lost.How it`s all changed from being Invincible and the Cowley`s the best thing since sliced bread the more sensible Imps can see the players are drained and they fear the worst.Having seen Town implode twice due to the Trophy and the inevitable backlog of fixtures Lincoln will require a monumental effort to win the League outright.They play FGR Saturday 12.15pm I shall watch with interest win the game they will win the league draw it lap of the Gods but still make them favourites lose and they might face a painful exit in the Play Offs?

Having weighed up the pros and cons , balderdash to Lincoln . I hope they lose in the playoff final

Lincoln blow it? Now wouldn't that be interesting, they have 3 games in hand but that can sometimes make things harder, especially after 2 cup exits and just 5 points from the last 12. Also noticed that if Millwall can win their games in hand the Scunts might even struggle to stay in a PO position.  

As someone once said "I would love it" if both of them fell at the final fence but sense Lincoln will still be o.k. and the Scunts will blow it in the play offs. If Lincoln come up we get a local derby next season and another opportunity for Town to make some stupid rules about away ticket purchases.

It's so funny watching their season implode, As soon as Cowley did a Paul Hurst in thinking he was the Morinio of non league by brining in uneccasary players and changing the dynamics of the team, I just knew it was doomed for failure now watch as the crunchers start to turn on him soon great stuff.

A couple of bad results but it's still in their hands.

We have seen it all before a team flying high have a great cup run,

When they get knocked out of the cup their league form crashes,

Play off defeat for Lincoln coming up then they will know hoe we felt before finally winning one,

On the telly this week end is Lincoln, Scunts and Donny where's Town ?

The only one I will watch is the veggie men beating the Imps.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Tranmere are the team Lincoln want to be worried about I think. 2 points behind after tonight's games and only played 1 more, rather than FGR's 3 more.

[b]I've nothing at all against Lincoln but it would be quite funny to see their season implode having  looked like Champions Elect.

[/b]

You can`t have it both ways Les ;D

Quoted from 1mickylyons

I would rather Lincoln come up than their two rivals BUT since the press overkill with DC and the Imps I must confess I don't really give a hoot. I made a rare visit to Lincoln Vital this morning after reading this post and seeing they lost...

Lincoln Vital is a great barometer of the average Lincoln fan. A matter of just months ago 2 thirds of the posts on there were started by the Admin, suddenly there's a whole new bunch, all bigging up their run and their crowds and how Town/Scunny will have to adjust to the New Order of Lincs football as they crush all beneath them under the Cowley's, all written up by posters with less than 50 posts to their name.
In the event of promotion failure those posters, along with most of the 9,000 at Arsenal will dissappear from the radar once more. That FGR game is huge.

Quoted from RoboCod

Lincoln Vital is a great barometer of the average Lincoln fan. A matter of just months ago 2 thirds of the posts on there were started by the Admin, suddenly there's a whole new bunch, all bigging up their run and their crowds and how Town/Scunny will have to adjust to the New Order of Lincs football as they crush all beneath them under the Cowley's, all written up by posters with less than 50 posts to their name.
In the event of promotion failure those posters, along with most of the 9,000 at Arsenal will dissappear from the radar once more. That FGR game is huge.

The posters on their make those of us on the fishy appear balanced ;D

Quoted from RoboCod

Lincoln Vital is a great barometer of the average Lincoln fan. A matter of just months ago 2 thirds of the posts on there were started by the Admin, suddenly there's a whole new bunch, all bigging up their run and their crowds and how Town/Scunny will have to adjust to the New Order of Lincs football as they crush all beneath them under the Cowley's, all written up by posters with less than 50 posts to their name.
In the event of promotion failure those posters, along with most of the 9,000 at Arsenal will dissappear from the radar once more. That FGR game is huge.

Made me laugh one tw@t came onto Adrian Durham on Talk Sport before the Arsenal game spouting that Lincoln are "currently league 1 level" clearly a mentalist.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Made me laugh one tw@t came onto Adrian Durham on Talk Sport before the Arsenal game spouting that Lincoln are "currently league 1 level" clearly a mentalist.

Was he named Jules by any chance?

Quoted from 1mickylyons

Was he named Jules by any chance?

Could have been but could not swear to it, what I do know is he was well up his own bottom, smug bar steward!

I see Arnold as gone from world beater to very inconsistent ... and even more amusing accusing the Essex boys of bringing in poor loan signings lol lol

Quoted from dapperz fun pub

I see Arnold as gone from world beater to very inconsistent ... and even more amusing accusing the Essex boys of bringing in poor loan signings lol lol

They love a bit of PR though, Danny Cowley is on Talk Sport as I write this talking them up, odd that considering word on the street is Norwich are interested in them.  

Was thinking about the FA Trophy earlier, and how we always seemed to be against being in the competition due to fixture backlog etc. BUT, at the end of the day we got promoted and got to the final in the same season.

Getting over excited about the FA Cup and putting everything into beating massive clubs on the other hand...

Can't blame them, everyone loves a good FA Cup run, but give me promotion any day of the week.

Quoted from sam gy

Was thinking about the FA Trophy earlier, and how we always seemed to be against being in the competition due to fixture backlog etc. BUT, at the end of the day we got promoted and got to the final in the same season.

Getting over excited about the FA Cup and putting everything into beating massive clubs on the other hand...

Can't blame them, everyone loves a good FA Cup run, but give me promotion any day of the week.

Agree Sam, I have to say though a good cup run would really help Marcus pull some stuff together next season I feel.

Quoted from sam gy

Was thinking about the FA Trophy earlier, and how we always seemed to be against being in the competition due to fixture backlog etc. BUT, at the end of the day we got promoted and got to the final in the same season.

Getting over excited about the FA Cup and putting everything into beating massive clubs on the other hand...

Can't blame them, everyone loves a good FA Cup run, but give me promotion any day of the week.

The difference being Lincoln have brought in approx. £2M revenue from the cup run and increased ticket sales for their League games yet the winner of the FA Trophy would be lucky to pull in 100K

and we say Imps are obsessed with GTFC?

Realistically they are still very much favourites for the title. veggies and scousers both inconsistent for most of the season

Quoted from Davec

Give me Lincoln to go up any day. Yes I know their fans are weird but atleast they are a club with football league history unlike FGR who are tinpot, and next season in league 2 Lincoln will fetch nigh on 1000 fans probably, FGR won't.

Why, would we be giving them 500 free tickets?

Quoted from arryarryarry

Why, would we be giving them 500 free tickets?

And driving them here. Individually. Then carrying them to the ground so they don't have to set foot in north east Lincolnshire.

Live on BT Sport now.......Lincoln v FGR

Tricky one this, begrudgingly I want FGR to win    :-/

Latest.........Lincoln  0-1  FGR    8)

Oh dear!  ;D

There's a strange choking noise coming from Sincil Bank...

😂 this is ace they are flipping it up now ahah like we knew they would ahah UTM !!

I don't particularly want Forest Green to get promoted, but seeing Lincoln member this up is worth it.

Cheating illegitimate Rhead.

That's FGR season over,

Well the championship anyway,

They might get to Wembley again and lose to Tranmere. :)

Haha don't judge us all on what some post on vitals, great 2nd half but where have the fans come from 6,800 on a Tuesday night the other week ever since the Oldham game our gates have more than doubled.
FGR top of the table brought 167 fans that's what I hate about this league.
Tickets away are like gold dust just people believe in the Cowleys ,the poster saying we are like a L1 would agree with that.
All clubs we have played have been very impressed with the prep work Arsenal was put us higher than L1.
Trevor Sinclair went down to a training session he thought Championship level and I can't disagree.

Quoted from Helgy

Haha don't judge us all on what some post on vitals, great 2nd half but where have the fans come from 6,800 on a Tuesday night the other week ever since the Oldham game our gates have more than doubled.
FGR top of the table brought 167 fans that's what I hate about this league.
Tickets away are like gold dust just people believe in the Cowleys ,the poster saying we are like a L1

That's bloody good for them.

I don't reckon they take 3 figure followings to many places, even when they're doing well.

Quoted from Helgy

FGR top of the table brought 167 fans that's what I hate about this league

I know what you mean. There's nothing worse than expecting a club to bring large numbers, then they just don't turn up !!  ;)

Quoted from Helgy

Haha don't judge us all on what some post on vitals, great 2nd half but where have the fans come from 6,800 on a Tuesday night the other week ever since the Oldham game our gates have more than doubled.
FGR top of the table brought 167 fans that's what I hate about this league.
Tickets away are like gold dust just people believe in the Cowleys ,the poster saying we are like a L1 would agree with that.
All clubs we have played have been very impressed with the prep work Arsenal was put us higher than L1.
Trevor Sinclair went down to a training session he thought Championship level and I can't disagree.

What are you saying the prep is like League 1 or your football is?

Quoted from HertsGTFC

What are you saying the prep is like League 1 or your football is?

Prep is Championship level sports science wise ,training ,body prep ,diet.

Quoted from Civvy at last

I know what you mean. There's nothing worse than expecting a club to bring large numbers, then they just don't turn up !!  ;)

Don't have to tell me it was only last season we mustered over a 1000 previous always 500.

Quoted from Helgy

Prep is Championship level sports science wise ,training ,body prep ,diet.

Fair enough! See above in bold is Matt Rhead excused from those sessions or does he have is own programme?  ;)

Quoted from Helgy

Haha don't judge us all on what some post on vitals, great 2nd half but where have the fans come from 6,800 on a Tuesday night the other week ever since the Oldham game our gates have more than doubled.
FGR top of the table brought 167 fans that's what I hate about this league.
Tickets away are like gold dust just people believe in the Cowleys ,the poster saying we are like a L1 would agree with that.
All clubs we have played have been very impressed with the prep work Arsenal was put us higher than L1.
Trevor Sinclair went down to a training session he thought Championship level and I can't disagree.

1st half you looked crap, didn't bother with the second half as had better things to do like go to Accrington.

Having watched the game in the pub before Accrington, Lincoln need to shape up pretty quickly if they're going to be any better than mid-table next season! No surprise FGR bottled it again. It's what they do.

Nah can't be true, Lincoln are a L1 standard side. I know this because all their new fans have been saying so repeatedly.

I'm going to love it when they come up and they find it's harder than they imagined. In all honesty, who in their side would you have? Arnold in an instant definitely and possibly Habergham and Woodyard but not anyone else.

Forest Green likewise. I'd have that Doidge bloke, he appears to be able to score but I'm hoping that Asante can now go on a run and score a shed load next season. I'd also have Frear as he's unbelievable pacy and a genuine left footed winger!

Frear isnt even there! He moved to scotland months ago

Quoted from Mariner_09

I'm going to love it when they come up and they find it's harder than they imagined. In all honesty, who in their side would you have? Arnold in an instant definitely and possibly Habergham and Woodyard but not anyone else.

Forest Green likewise. I'd have that Doidge bloke, he appears to be able to score but I'm hoping that Asante can now go on a run and score a shed load next season. I'd also have Frear as he's unbelievable pacy and a genuine left footed winger!

Why? He's never cut it in League 2.

Quoted from Mariner_09

I'm going to love it when they come up and they find it's harder than they imagined. In all honesty, who in their side would you have? Arnold in an instant definitely and possibly Habergham and Woodyard but not anyone else.

Forest Green likewise. I'd have that Doidge bloke, he appears to be able to score but I'm hoping that Asante can now go on a run and score a shed load next season. I'd also have Frear as he's unbelievable pacy and a genuine left footed winger!

I thought the game summed up many of Arnold's performances for us, first half you wouldn't have known he was on the pitch, the second half he looked very good.

They've just scored a late winner at sutton

They've just conceded a 93rd equaliser at sutton

Quoted from Mariner93er

They've just conceded a 93rd equaliser at sutton

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Quoted from Mariner93er

They've just conceded a 93rd equaliser at sutton

Never been happier to be wrong !

Tranmere now on the same points, and Lincoln only have 1 game in hand. Certainly starting to get nervy for them.

Anyone know the Heimlich manouevre?

Another win for York tonight too.

Looking like they could do the great escape. 4 points from safety now with a game in hand.

Tranmere are on a really good run they cold pip Lincoln to the title. Personally I'd like Lincoln to come up just because with Doncaster going up it would be the local derby. Also hope chesterfield come down.

Torquay managed a valuable away win as well. Hope they survive ,with tranmere and aldershot going up

As much as it'd be hilarious if they bottled it - looking at that leagues top few you'd favour Lincoln and Tranmere coming up for the good of the FL. FGR becoming a league club would be a travesty.

League One relegation shaping up nicely. Coventry will surely bring numbers, Chesterfield obviously fairly close. Wouldn't mind Oldham and Bury dropping as both easy to get to although there is always that club from Shropshire...

Quoted from LH

As much as it'd be hilarious if they bottled it - looking at that leagues top few you'd favour Lincoln and Tranmere coming up for the good of the FL. FGR becoming a league club would be a travesty.

League One relegation shaping up nicely. Coventry will surely bring numbers, Chesterfield obviously fairly close. Wouldn't mind Oldham and Bury dropping as both easy to get to although there is always that club from Shropshire...

Yeah, having looked like they were pulling away from danger, their last few results have put them back in the thick of it.

Quoted from mariner91

Anyone know the Heimlich manouevre?

On Matt Rhead? Good luck with that (icon_lol)

Thought FGR looked a really good footballing side at Lincoln on Saturday.

Would fancy them to win at Wembley if they get there.

So for me it's Lincoln or Tranmere for automatic promotion and FGR through the play offs

Quoted from Helgy

Prep is Championship level sports science wise ,training ,body prep ,diet.

Matt Rhead must play truant some days then  ;)

[quote=33]As much as it'd be hilarious if they bottled it - looking at that leagues top few you'd favour Lincoln and Tranmere coming up for the good of the FL. FGR becoming a league club would be a travesty.

Why would it be a travesty ? Hardly mk divvy's are they ? Fleetwood are a similar club to village green rovers and they are doing well and appear not to be hated .

If Lincoln were to get promoted id like it to be the auto route rather than going to wembley. its too nice a day out for the gimps.

160 away at a clash of the top 2 in the league and circa 4000 (four thousand!) at Wembley for a play off final? Nothing to add to the football league other than another egotistical owner. Plus we'd have all the 'fairy tale' balderdash for a few weeks once they got up.

FGR have a great history in Non-League and for them to stay in the Conference so long before the arrival of Vince's millions speaks very well of them. However, the moment you become a rich man's plaything you're guaranteed to lose credibility. No surprise that they aren't getting higher attendances despite their challenges for promotion with Vince's money because Nailsworth is just a really small place.

Look at recent 'moneybags' clubs who won promotion from Non-League and Fleetwood aren't doing badly, but they are still averaging less than 3,000 fans this season, despite the fact that there are a good number of clubs in League One close enough to them to provide large away followings. Crawley aren't even getting 2,300 and Newport are only getting a few more. Ultimately, these clubs will end up dropping down and out of the League at some point when they are not being funded by a wealthy owner.

Credit to the likes of Morecambe and Accrington for still being around in the League for so long on such tiny attendances. I don't think they have particularly wealthy backers, do they?

(Note, I don't count GTFC as a rich man's plaything despite Fenty's 'benign loans' because we're getting the attendances to pretty much fund ourselves - the debts came in great part due to years of crappy appointments by the non-Chairman!)

Quoted from Maringer

FGR have a great history in Non-League and for them to stay in the Conference so long before the arrival of Vince's millions speaks very well of them. However, the moment you become a rich man's plaything you're guaranteed to lose credibility. No surprise that they aren't getting higher attendances despite their challenges for promotion with Vince's money because Nailsworth is just a really small place.

Look at recent 'moneybags' clubs who won promotion from Non-League and Fleetwood aren't doing badly, but they are still averaging less than 3,000 fans this season, despite the fact that there are a good number of clubs in League One close enough to them to provide large away followings. Crawley aren't even getting 2,300 and Newport are only getting a few more. Ultimately, these clubs will end up dropping down and out of the League at some point when they are not being funded by a wealthy owner.

Credit to the likes of Morecambe and Accrington for still being around in the League for so long on such tiny attendances. I don't think they have particularly wealthy backers, do they?

(Note, I don't count GTFC as a rich man's plaything despite Fenty's 'benign loans' because we're getting the attendances to pretty much fund ourselves - the debts came in great part due to years of crappy appointments by the non-Chairman!)

Don't forget that they should have been relegated in 2010 and only survived due to Salisbury going pop.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Don't forget that they should have been relegated in 2010 and only survived due to Salisbury going pop.

No different to us in the 2008/09 season!

Still creditable that they managed to avoid the drop the other years.

Quoted from Maringer

No different to us in the 2008/09 season!

Still creditable that they managed to avoid the drop the other years.

Shiver!

Quoted from moosey_club

Matt Rhead must play truant some days then  ;)

Parkin playing for York now he is over weight his belly wobbled as he ran but still not a bad player just like Mcnulty  at Tranmere.
Both look like pub players but are quality at this level.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Don't forget that they should have been relegated in 2010 and only survived due to Salisbury going pop.

FGR survived for a number of years in the Conference exactly because other clubs overspent and went pop. So fair play to their old incarnation as Maringer said. 2010 was probably only the last occasion when this happened.

Quoted from Helgy

Parkin playing for York now he is over weight his belly wobbled as he ran but still not a bad player just like Mcnulty  at Tranmere.
Both look like pub players but are quality at this level.

I remember watching him when he was at Luton. A great reader of the game and nothing got past McNulty. And not just cos he was a fat bar steward. He even had the good grace to laugh when he was told his shirt sponsor was Billy Smart.

Just been for a swim, and the guy who does the cleaning was wearing Lincoln City shorts (which is more than a bit 'random', as the kids say, given this was Hampton in Middlesex. I asked him why he was wearing them. He said his manager gave them to him from lost property.

He said after 3 years if stuff isn't claimed they sling it. Clearly the owner was too embarrassed to claim them!  ;D  ;D  ;D

5/1 Dagenham to win tonight on bet365, think it'll be worth a punt!

Still think it will be Tranmere by 2 points !

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

Still think it will be Tranmere by 2 points !

It's looking that way, though my bank account would prefer an away day to Lincoln than Tranmere.

Looking like another big crowd for us tonight, 6843 Saturday with 80 visiting fans we don't know where they have all come from lol.

Quoted from Helgy

Looking like another big crowd for us tonight, 6843 Saturday with 80 visiting fans we don't know where they have all come from lol.

Your sister and uncle will tell you

Quoted from Helgy

Looking like another big crowd for us tonight, 6843 Saturday with 80 visiting fans we don't know where they have all come from lol.

Congratulations, you have the most fickle fans in non-league.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

Still think it will be Tranmere by 2 points !

So long as it's Lincoln and Tranmere - proper footy clubs - I don't care which is automatic and which is playoffs. I really hope it's not Forest Green

Quoted from Helgy

Looking like another big crowd for us tonight, 6843 Saturday with 80 visiting fans we don't know where they have all come from lol.

They have probably come from Scunthorpe because they do not go to watch the Scunts by the look of their attendances. ;D

Quoted from Helgy

Looking like another big crowd for us tonight, 6843 Saturday with 80 visiting fans we don't know where they have all come from lol.

Been digging into the cash they've saved from not turning up for the past twenty years..

Anyone got a stream?

Just thinking.....Cowley Brothers..... settled team...... clearly understood game plan..... everything planned in detail.... highly respected by their fans and the media..... team top of the league and everyone favourite non-league team after the cup run.

Remind you of anyone?

Thought not, certainly not the black and white stripes of GTFC

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Just thinking.....Cowley Brothers..... settled team...... clearly understood game plan..... everything planned in detail.... highly respected by their fans and the media..... team top of the league and everyone favourite non-league team after the cup run.

Remind you of anyone?

Thought not, certainly not the black and white stripes of GTFC

Well I wouldn't swap places with them

Bignot in the crowd, watching this rubbish . Actually he was on the phone

Marcus is there scouting, probably Brad's

Micky Moore and Gary Whild there also

Why would we need (or want) to scout Bradley Wood?

Jolly boys outting, urine up with the students later all on expenses. Ooer.

I wouldn't mind Lee Angol

or nath Arnold

Shocking first half, no quality on show

I think sometimes, purely because he scored that goal at Wembley, that Arnold was garbage second half of last season, but I think this was as much to do with his mum dying as anything, but he certainly is a better left winger than Clements, Comley or Osborne!

Quoted from LH

Why would we need (or want) to scout Bradley Wood?

Co's it's what our leader does ;)

Hope he's looking at Matt Rhead.

Quoted from supertown

Bignot in the crowd, watching this rubbish . Actually he was on the phone

He was on the phone to the FA reporting Lincoln for playing wingers

Quoted from Mariner_09

I think sometimes, purely because he scored that goal at Wembley, that Arnold was garbage second half of last season, but I think this was as much to do with his mum dying as anything, but he certainly is a better left winger than Clements, Comley or Osborne!

That wouldn't be difficult seeing as none of those named are left wingers. Neither is Arnold.

That's my point entirely Ginny!

I don't know what's less entertainment, this or what Swansea and Middlesbrough conjured up yesterday.

Quoted from Mariner_09

That's my point entirely Ginny!

Then it's a point that eludes me.

I'm saying that, as I questioned Arnold's effectiveness last season, that anyone is better than playing midfielders with no pace out wide.

Despite our poor performances of late how many of the Imps players would you pick in our side given the chance.

Raggett, Habergham and possibly Angol ( loanee)

Quoted from Cloudy

Despite our poor performances of late how many of the Imps players would you pick in our side given the chance.

Raggett, Habergham and possibly Angol ( loanee)

Farman

Quoted from Cloudy

Despite our poor performances of late how many of the Imps players would you pick in our side given the chance.

Raggett, Habergham and possibly Angol ( loanee)

Definitely those three. Just goes to show the value in getting a team organised and actually playing to a plan (take heed MB). Half of Lincoln's side are average at best (Waterfall, Wood, Farman, Hawkridge as examples) but they're an effective unit. They are the complete opposite of us right now.

Quoted from Cloudy

Despite our poor performances of late how many of the Imps players would you pick in our side given the chance.

Raggett, Habergham and possibly Angol ( loanee)

If you mean after Saturdays performance then I'd pick all of them and possibly most of Daggs.

Quoted from golfer

If you mean after Saturdays performance then I'd pick all of them and possibly most of Daggs.

Or maybe just swap managers and see if what they can do.

Don't matter how many you would pick for us the bigger question is would they consider playing for us? At the moment even if they don't go up (they will BTW) I think a few would think twice.

They are very similar to Cheltenham last season, and they have struggled massive. Lincoln will need a fair few signings if they go up.

Quoted from Mariner93er

They are very similar to Cheltenham last season, and they have struggled massive. Lincoln will need a fair few signings if they go up.

I'm sure after the FA cup run, South African beneficiary and more TV appearances than many big clubs they'll be able to find a few quid down the back of the sofa.

Quoted from Grantley

Hope he's looking at Matt Rhead.

Be difficult to miss him

Quoted from Posh Harry

Be difficult to miss him

Sitting next to Donny manager, apparently the conversation was "did you have to put five past us" ;D

Quoted from Garth

Sitting next to Donny manager, apparently the conversation was "did you have to put five past us" ;D

It should have been 'thanks for only  putting 5 past us'  :(

Quoted from mariner91

Definitely those three. Just goes to show the value in getting a team organised and actually playing to a plan (take heed MB). Half of Lincoln's side are average at best (Waterfall, Wood, Farman, Hawkridge as examples) but they're an effective unit. They are the complete opposite of us right now.

Waterfall average he's magic scored a fair few him and Raggetts have been massive at the back.

Woodyard is a class above doubt we would struggle in L2.

.

The Cowleys' are a cut above went into the club last week for a meeting and Danny popped in those two look so far ahead at things its unreal.
Would not swap them for any other managers.

Quoted from Helgy

Waterfall average he's magic scored a fair few him and Raggetts have been massive at the back.

Woodyard is a class above doubt we would struggle in L2.

.

The Cowleys' are a cut above went into the club last week for a meeting and Danny popped in those two look so far ahead at things its unreal.
Would not swap them for any other managers.

I've seen Waterfall several times. And he's average. Not a patch on Shaun Pearson.

Serious question Helgy, where are all these fans coming from.

Yes, I know you've had a great season and you seem to be on course for the title but it does seem a bit of a massive jump, over 7000 last night, 6800 against Bromley when you used to sometimes struggle to get 2000 only very recently. To increase your attendances by 3 fold raises a few eyebrows.

So far Tranmere keeping the pressure on Lincoln        HT    Tranmere  1-0  Sutton


HT   Shrewsbury  0-1  Millwall     8)

Latest.......   Man UTD  0-1  Everton  .......  I'm watching on BT Sport

Tranmere 2-2 useless scousers

Shrews 2 down, only consolation for them is that port vale are getting dikked

Tranmere  3-2  Sutton

Get In!

You absolute beauty Tranmere! That's a huge result for them and a get out of jail card used for sure.

Quoted from GyMariner

Anyone got a stream?

Buck Bec

Quoted from Helgy

Waterfall average he's magic scored a fair few him and Raggetts have been massive at the back.

Woodyard is a class above doubt we would struggle in L2.

.

The Cowleys' are a cut above went into the club last week for a meeting and Danny popped in those two look so far ahead at things its unreal.
Would not swap them for any other managers.

Go on- give us a try. -an experienced league 2 manager for 2 non-league trainees-would be a fair swap if you got promotion

New money Billericay Town made approach for the Cowley Brothers recently apparently.

They are in the Isthmian League Premier Division ffs so must be either very rich or very dumb to have approached Lincoln.

They have signed Jamie O'Hara and Paul Konchesky so probably both.

Tranmere lose, Lincoln win, that should be it now. 😩😩😩😩😩

In the bag and deservedly so.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Serious question Helgy, where are all these fans coming from.

Yes, I know you've had a great season and you seem to be on course for the title but it does seem a bit of a massive jump, over 7000 last night, 6800 against Bromley when you used to sometimes struggle to get 2000 only very recently. To increase your attendances by 3 fold raises a few eyebrows.

Raised a few eyebrows here too last season against FGR the attendance was 1900 this season 6700.
People have bought into the Cowleys' big time ever since the Oldham game home crowds have been above 6000 but in the previous month in November we were getting 3400-900???

Even in big Keith's time we never got 6800 on a Tuesday night, suppose the potential has always been there just no one had any local pride people preferred supporting Prem teams now they have come on board.
The atmosphere has never been like this ever the whole ground singing Ipswich & Burnley saying we were loudest away fans there in 30 years.
Its been like a fairy tale to be honest & been lucky enough to have had a great insight to this season with raising the funds but that's not so important now.

Still hope they fck it up but looks signed & sealed now....very good season...excellent support all of a sudden....sadly i expect you to steam straight past us next season and get promoted again. ....Premiership in 5-6 yrs or consider yourselves underperforming.

Glory supporters. And I'm not just saying that either. Like you said, the crowds have been up ever since the Oldham game when people who wouldn't regularly turn up went to watch. Saw them win and the same people have been going ever since because it's fun to watch a winning team. I imagine the next time you have a bad or average season your gates will go back down to around 4000 again.

Interesting to note that your away attendances are still not that good on the whole. Only 650 to Eastleigh on a Saturday during your best ever season isn't really very impressive.

Hope they don't get the auto spot.
Lose the playoff final on a last min penno.
End in the bottom 4 next season 👍🏼

Quoted from moosey_club

Still hope they fck it up but looks signed & sealed now....very good season...excellent support all of a sudden....sadly i expect you to steam straight past us next season and get promoted again. ....Premiership in 5-6 yrs or consider yourselves underperforming.

That's a pretty bold prediction. I'd say it's more likely the Cowleys will simply be stolen away next season,  I know they tied them down to an extension not so long ago and it'll take a fortune to get them but there'll be a queue of clubs prepared to spend it because that's how football is.
Where the likes of FGR and Eastleigh etc have gone wrong is splashing out huge amounts on wage stealing players, the Cowleys will cost a fortune but get more out of average and inexpensive players so it's all about spending your major dosh on the management setup.
Lincoln will be left with a huge, huge pile of money but then the problem of getting the right manager in becomes the problem once again.

Quoted from RoboCod

That's a pretty bold prediction. I'd say it's more likely the Cowleys will simply be stolen away next season,  I know they tied them down to an extension not so long ago and it'll take a fortune to get them but there'll be a queue of clubs prepared to spend it because that's how football is.
Where the likes of FGR and Eastleigh etc have gone wrong is splashing out huge amounts on wage stealing players, the Cowleys will cost a fortune but get more out of average and inexpensive players so it's all about spending your major dosh on the management setup.
Lincoln will be left with a huge, huge pile of money but then the problem of getting the right manager in becomes the problem once again.

They appear to have what we never did...momentum.....where we had 5/6 seasons of some pretty dour performances, pretty dour dialogue coming out of the club they have had some impetus injected by their new management team, good cup run, financial backing of some sort all getting the interest up after they have had a few years of booing everything to do with the club.
Even though we won at Wembley, it was soured with Hurst giving it the ears, the team was dissassembled, some of our best performers robbed by Hartlepool FFS and of course delays in season ticket sales announcements and the then increase in prices failed to capture the spirit of the O.P that WE started. By the time the ST sales were released all we had coming out was bad news and failings to sign decent replacements.

Out of nowhere they are getting gates 3 times what they were, have been up the top end virtually all season and look like sealing the championship in the next week or so. Its a happy place right now.  I can see them capturing that feeling and starting next season as they finished this.

What amazes me is that people on here rubbish Slade for playing long ball football one season years ago yet drool over the Cowleys when that's the only style of football they have ever played. I agree that Danny comes across well but I wonder if his (pseudo) scientific methods would work so well with more talented players.

I'd welcome a Lincoln return to reignite the local derby. Always a game that you'd look forward to. Last time we played Lincoln under Slade was the play off semi final. Seem to remember a bunch of Town fans ending up out on the beers with half the squad after the game and ended up back at one of the players houses haha.

Quoted from moosey_club

They appear to have what we never did...momentum.....where we had 5/6 seasons of some pretty dour performances, pretty dour dialogue coming out of the club they have had some impetus injected by their new management team, good cup run, financial backing of some sort all getting the interest up after they have had a few years of booing everything to do with the club.
Even though we won at Wembley, it was soured with Hurst giving it the ears, the team was dissassembled, some of our best performers robbed by Hartlepool FFS and of course delays in season ticket sales announcements and the then increase in prices failed to capture the spirit of the O.P that WE started. By the time the ST sales were released all we had coming out was bad news and failings to sign decent replacements.

Out of nowhere they are getting gates 3 times what they were, have been up the top end virtually all season and look like sealing the championship in the next week or so. Its a happy place right now.  I can see them capturing that feeling and starting next season as they finished this.

Sounds about right to me.

Quoted from RoboCod

Lincoln will be left with a huge, huge pile of money but then the problem of getting the right manager in becomes the problem once again.

I think there's a manager with recent league 2 experience who might be available......

Quoted from moosey_club

They appear to have what we never did...momentum.....where we had 5/6 seasons of some pretty dour performances, pretty dour dialogue coming out of the club they have had some impetus injected by their new management team, good cup run, financial backing of some sort all getting the interest up after they have had a few years of booing everything to do with the club.
Even though we won at Wembley, it was soured with Hurst giving it the ears, the team was dissassembled, some of our best performers robbed by Hartlepool FFS and of course delays in season ticket sales announcements and the then increase in prices failed to capture the spirit of the O.P that WE started. By the time the ST sales were released all we had coming out was bad news and failings to sign decent replacements.

Out of nowhere they are getting gates 3 times what they were, have been up the top end virtually all season and look like sealing the championship in the next week or so. Its a happy place right now.  I can see them capturing that feeling and starting next season as they finished this.

I don't disagree with any of that, the point is that any manager capable of achieivng all of the above are absolute gold dust and very much the exception to the rule. It's the food chain, just as we took Bignot, Scott & Hurst etc so some club will whisk away the Cowley( someone a bit bigger than Billericay) with the compensation not being a problem.
I feel it's inevitable, how Lincoln respond/splash the cash after that will be the test for them.

It will need to be a championship club tho I would have thought, to cough up the money needed for compo. Maybe pushing 3/4 of a mill you think, perhaps not quite that much? Is it 6 years on the contract now or 5? Anyway A championship club able to afford that AND willing to gamble on managers who haven't even had a single game in the football league goin straight into a tier 2 job - maybe it won't happen. I think it would be a good gamble but I wouldn't be surprised if clubs hold fire and wait and see how they get on next season - a club in trouble in the championship next season is my guess for the team that comes in for them. Unless there is a club with pots of money in league 1 that could afford to splash that sort of cash on manager compensation? - I'd be surprised if ther was

Winning the National league, does not guarantee success in league 2.

They have done well this season with some support financial support from South Africa, A really good cash earner cup run and better attendances. The manager and his brother are clearly well organised, good caches at that level and also very, very PR savvy/friendly indeed. The media love them as they are a good story especially in periods like International breaks when there is no prem to constantly bang on about. Listen to Daren Gough on Talk Sport he know nothing about football never mind non league but likes to talk about Lincoln as he thinks it makes him look knowledgeable.

Their journey to getting out of the NL has been diffident to ours as in reality despite a number of seasons down there they have only been serious competitors this season where we had to build for a few seasons. Despite differences in resource (cash in the bank) there are lots of parallels between Lincoln and Town the main one being both clubs sit in locations where you could quite easily sustain a L1 club, however getting there could be a very different path for each club.

This time last year Cheltenham looked really strong and everybody said they where building for life in the FL by re-signing most of the promotion squad which has actually proved to be the wrong strategy as they have struggled, what gets you out of the National League needs to be very different to what will get you out of League 2. To be fair I think Hurst and Bignot both recognised this but Hurst's replacements on last year where at best mixed and Bignots additions still have a lot to prove or need time to grow into FL level players.  

Lincoln have possibly been on TV this season more than most FL clubs and from what I have seen if they are to reach the heights of the likes of Doncaster, Portsmouth, Carlisle, Exeter, Plymouth and even Stevenage they will have some major surgery to do for next season if they are to go straight up again, not only in personnel but also style of play. They will in my opinion be able to achieve a place between 15th and 8th quite easily and clearly have the cash to make a big push after the next Jan window, so they don't have to rush things in pre season.

If they continue to surprise and keep an automatic place from early in the season they will have done immensely well but the better they do brings a greater chance of losing your manager that's the case for every club. As an example they beat Ipswich in the cup so lets say come November if Ipswich where struggling a bit would Danny & Nicky be an attractive option for both parties I am sure it might. In fact that kind of move would be good for them as Ipswich are the kind of club who don't usually sack managers too often and despite a recent windfall the Cowley's are used to working on tight resource which in Championship terms is the world a club like that currently sit in.

Personally I am not that bothered and rather than look longingly over the fence I am going to put my energy and ST cash behind supporting Russ and the boys.

UTM!

If i was a betting man, I would say they will finish above us next season.

Quoted from TheRealJohnLewis

If i was a betting man, I would say they will finish above us next season.

I think you've given us an insight into why you're not a betting man.

Cheltenham have had the wrong strategy after promotion.  They then belatedly brought new players in and have still struggled.  Maybe the club are just "wrong"?

Bristol Rovers took the same approach and had great success. They kept broadly the same players that got them promoted from NL.  They got them automatic promotion to division 1 in the last few minutes of last season.

They did manage to hold on to top scorer Taylor (cheating B.....), which made a massive difference.  Shame (?) that he was poached by Bristol City after a contract clause activated of £300K.

Very interesting to see what Lincoln do.  They have the money to bring in good-quality players.  

The difference between the Gas and Cheltenham is that Rovers were able to sustain a better squad having a much bigger fan base (3 times the attendance) so they didn't need to make major changes to the squad that won promotion from the Conference. OK they may have just squeaked it in 2015 (with the help of Ross Joyce) but sometimes it takes longer for a bigger outfit to get properly into gear.

The other difference with Brizzle was early last year they got new Jordanian owners who secured every player and then gave them pay rises and a promotion bonus structure, so rather than everyone kicking back Clarke managed it really well and turned their financial security into momentum, cheating bar stewards  ??)

If I was a Lincoln fan (god forbid) I would be worried that the Cowley's are proven Non-league managers but know little and have no experience of The EFL. Experience and contacts go a long way, Bignot showed his non-league bias whilst at Town, and it did not seem to work very well. (But we will never know now). Yes you can pluck the odd star from non league, but you can not build a whole team of them.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

If I was a Lincoln fan (god forbid) I would be worried that the Cowley's are proven Non-league managers but know little and have no experience of The EFL. Experience and contacts go a long way, Bignot showed his non-league bias whilst at Town, and it did not seem to work very well. (But we will never know now). Yes you can pluck the odd star from non league, but you can not build a whole team of them.

I'm sure their FA Cup exploits didn't go unnoticed and got attention of the contacts you speak of both managers and prospective players. I don't mind saying that what them two blokes have with Braintree and now with Lincoln is nothing short of amazing. We took RS from Non-League did we not and that wasn't an utter shambles.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

If I was a Lincoln fan (god forbid) I would be worried that the Cowley's are proven Non-league managers but know little and have no experience of The EFL. Experience and contacts go a long way, Bignot showed his non-league bias whilst at Town, and it did not seem to work very well. (But we will never know now). Yes you can pluck the odd star from non league, but you can not build a whole team of them.

Beat Oldham, Ipswich, Brighton, Burnley & held Arsenal for 45 minutes.
Most made the mistake of thinking they could swap the whole team around and beat us.
If Arsenal had put out the side that played Sutton I would have fancied us to beat them.
Their prep work is amazing at least championship standard, Arsenal staff were very complimentary.
The back up team from the chef all the way through is top notch.
With their approach I can't see L2 being an issue but who knows.

Quoted from Balthazar Bullitt

I think you've given us an insight into why you're not a betting man.

If they (Cowley) can finish above us with Braintree with a budget of £2.37, then doing it, with a lot more money, with Lincoln should be no problem.

They've got a manager on the up, we've got one on the way down, I guess, only time will tell!

At the time with braintree they were also only able to work part-time remember, Christ knows how they would hav done working full time like hurst.

Quoted from Helgy

Beat Oldham, Ipswich, Brighton, Burnley & held Arsenal for 45 minutes.
Most made the mistake of thinking they could swap the whole team around and beat us.
If Arsenal had put out the side that played Sutton I would have fancied us to beat them.
Their prep work is amazing at least championship standard, Arsenal staff were very complimentary.
The back up team from the chef all the way through is top notch.
With their approach I can't see L2 being an issue but who knows.

You said it yourself, you beat the reserve sides of most of those teams. Not that it isn't a great achievement, it is. But you beat reserve sides who were probably struggling to motivate themselves for a banana skin game against non-league opposition whereas your side had nothing to lose. Completely different to beating teams week in and week out in a league.

If you keep the Cowleys I think you will do well next season but you will need to do major surgery to your side. Your two highest scorers are Rhead and Arnold. Rhead struggled in the league with Mansfield previously and will be 33, you can't rely on him again. You also won't have Lee Angol next season so you'll need at least two strikers. Paul Hurst released Arnold because he didn't think he would be able to perform week in, week out at FL level and he's never managed to before. Would he be up to it? On his day definitely but he's too inconsistent in my opinion.
Farman is a non-league keeper and I know a lot of your own fans see him as a weak link. He's no better than McKeown in my opinion. Waterfall, for all your protestations to the contrary, is a poor man's Shaun Pearson. You've got Bradley Wood at right back who just isn't a good enough footballer to be starting in a team at the top end of L2. A lot of your better players such as Billy Knott and Harry Anderson are on loan so may not be there next season.

The arrogance to suggest L2 won't be an "issue" is laughable. The difference in quality between the FL and the NL is huge. Just look at Cheltenham and they don't have a mug for a manager by any means. The NL has been a lower quality overall in the last two or three seasons compared to when we first went down. Lincoln have obviously done fantastically well in the league but you've hardly been steamrollering teams, most of your wins since the turn of the year have been by a single goal along with the odd 2 or 3 nil loss at places like Barrow and Boreham Wood. Like I said, keep the Cowleys and I think you'll do well next season but only if they do some major surgery to your squad.

Quoted from Helgy

Beat Oldham, Ipswich, Brighton, Burnley & held Arsenal for 45 minutes.
Most made the mistake of thinking they could swap the whole team around and beat us.
If Arsenal had put out the side that played Sutton I would have fancied us to beat them.
Their prep work is amazing at least championship standard, Arsenal staff were very complimentary.
The back up team from the chef all the way through is top notch.
With their approach I can't see L2 being an issue but who knows.

As much as you are Gimps supporter Helgy you come on here posts sensibly and don't troll which I for one appreciate so for that I personally think on this isolated occasion you should be allowed to get away with the comment above in bold, other posters though may think your a total smug smart bottom!

Don't be fooled in thinking that the Cowley's will be the only one's applying due diligence, video analysis, modern prep and sports science etc.. in L2 next year as they are doing this already and have been for a while, shock horror!!! when you go up you may not be the only fish in a much bigger pond..........In fact you might even have to get used to being a bit behind the other set ups.  

When I saw Lincoln's side that faced Ipswich earlier in the season, I was surprised that it was 5 or 6 points clear in the Conference then. If you compare their side to ours last season. Wood is inferior to Tait by some distance and Waterfall and Raggett aren't nearly as good as Toto, Pearson and Gowling. Habergham is a good player and Woodyard and Power are both good but as good as Dis and Nolan? Not sure. Theo Robinson looked a real handful and so did Rhead so they are probably as effective as Amond and Bogle were in a different way. We all know Arnold would play in the Championship if he plays like he can do evey week.

The fact they have so many more points than we ever got suggests that the Cowleys are fantastic as they seem to drag that extra 10% out of the players that you need and that is compensating for the slight lack of quality. They also appeared to have a very clear understanding of one anothers roles and jobs and were all very comfortable playing with each other in the system they played. It all just seemed to fot nicely into place which is testament to thei organisational skills and ability to motivate the players. I wouldn't want them as our management team because their style of football is decidedly ugly from what I've seen. Lots of long balls up to Rhead but it is effective.

League 2 is faster physically and mentally but also very, very even. There isn't much between the 16 sides in the middle of the table at all. Lincoln wil need to bring in some decent quality players but with their South African friends, the FA Cup run and increased gates they should have plenty of money to sign these players. I look forward to playing Lincoln again next season, always love a good local derby against them, I've missed our annual Boxing Day 3 points.

I'd imagine that if the Cowleys do well with Lincoln next season they may well be poached by a much bigger and successful club. It is evident to me that those lads know exactly what they're doing to get teams winning games in that league. I'd expect them next season do similar to how we've done this term, which I'm sure most Lincoln fans would be happy with.

I hope that Mr Fenty permits some additional focus on sport science and technical development so we can compete on the same level as they seem to be at off the pitch. If what the BBC tells us is correct then their off the field preparation and sport science facilities are fantastic and we need to aim for these heights as our players will be fitter and also better on the ball, hence leading to much better results and possibly even a promotion to League 1 for the completion of our new stadium.

Cowleys have got a group of (mostly) average players playing as a solid and committed unit, like Cheltenham last year. Will need new additions for L2, but if the Cowleys stay, they'll finish top half as a minimum IMO.

Quoted from Mariner_09

When I saw Lincoln's side that faced Ipswich earlier in the season, I was surprised that it was 5 or 6 points clear in the Conference then. If you compare their side to ours last season. Wood is inferior to Tait by some distance and Waterfall and Raggett aren't nearly as good as Toto, Pearson and Gowling. Habergham is a good player and Woodyard and Power are both good but as good as Dis and Nolan? Not sure. Theo Robinson looked a real handful and so did Rhead so they are probably as effective as Amond and Bogle were in a different way. We all know Arnold would play in the Championship if he plays like he can do evey week.

The fact they have so many more points than we ever got suggests that the Cowleys are fantastic as they seem to drag that extra 10% out of the players that you need and that is compensating for the slight lack of quality. They also appeared to have a very clear understanding of one anothers roles and jobs and were all very comfortable playing with each other in the system they played. It all just seemed to fot nicely into place which is testament to thei organisational skills and ability to motivate the players. I wouldn't want them as our management team because their style of football is decidedly ugly from what I've seen. Lots of long balls up to Rhead but it is effective.

League 2 is faster physically and mentally but also very, very even. There isn't much between the 16 sides in the middle of the table at all. Lincoln wil need to bring in some decent quality players but with their South African friends, the FA Cup run and increased gates they should have plenty of money to sign these players. I look forward to playing Lincoln again next season, always love a good local derby against them, I've missed our annual Boxing Day 3 points.

I'd imagine that if the Cowleys do well with Lincoln next season they may well be poached by a much bigger and successful club. It is evident to me that those lads know exactly what they're doing to get teams winning games in that league. I'd expect them next season do similar to how we've done this term, which I'm sure most Lincoln fans would be happy with.

I hope that Mr Fenty permits some additional focus on sport science and technical development so we can compete on the same level as they seem to be at off the pitch. If what the BBC tells us is correct then their off the field preparation and sport science facilities are fantastic and we need to aim for these heights as our players will be fitter and also better on the ball, hence leading to much better results and possibly even a promotion to League 1 for the completion of our new stadium.

Good analysis 09

[quote=120909]When I saw Lincoln's side that faced Ipswich earlier in the season, I was surprised that it was 5 or 6 points clear in the Conference then. If you compare their side to ours last season. Wood is inferior to Tait by some distance and Waterfall and Raggett aren't nearly as good as Toto, Pearson and Gowling. Habergham is a good player and Woodyard and Power are both good but as good as Dis and Nolan? Not sure. Theo Robinson looked a real handful and so did Rhead so they are probably as effective as Amond and Bogle were in a different way. We all know Arnold would play in the Championship if he plays like he can do evey week.

The fact they have so many more points than we ever got suggests that the Cowleys are fantastic as they seem to drag that extra 10% out of the players that you need and that is compensating for the slight lack of quality. They also appeared to have a very clear understanding of one anothers roles and jobs and were all very comfortable playing with each other in the system they played. It all just seemed to fot nicely into place which is testament to thei organisational skills and ability to motivate the players. I wouldn't want them as our management team because their style of football is decidedly ugly from what I've seen. Lots of long balls up to Rhead but it is effective.

League 2 is faster physically and mentally but also very, very even. There isn't much between the 16 sides in the middle of the table at all. Lincoln wil need to bring in some decent quality players but with their South African friends, the FA Cup run and increased gates they should have plenty of money to sign these players. I look forward to playing Lincoln again next season, always love a good local derby against them, I've missed our annual Boxing Day 3 points.

I'd imagine that if the Cowleys do well with Lincoln next season they may well be poached by a much bigger and successful club. It is evident to me that those lads know exactly what they're doing to get teams winning games in that league. I'd expect them next season do similar to how we've done this term, which I'm sure most Lincoln fans would be happy with.

I hope that Mr Fenty permits some additional focus on sport science and technical development so we can compete on the same level as they seem to be at off the pitch. If what the BBC tells us is correct then their off the field preparation and sport science facilities are fantastic and we need to aim for these heights as our players will be fitter and also better on the ball, hence leading to much better results and possibly even a promotion to League 1 for the completion of our new stadium.[/quote]

Really good analysis 09, from what I have seen of Lincoln compared to other recent winners of the Tin Pot I think they are better than what Cheltenham where but not sure they are at the same level as Barnet or Luton where when they won it as they do rely a great deal on getting it up to the big (fat) lad.  

What I would say is that we now have an experienced manager who has managed at Championship level and every other level apart from the PL, so I am sure he will know based upon experience just as much about what advantage S&C etc...might give us and possibly what it won't. Also as he's clearly an intelligent bloke he will know how to get the best out of the resources he has at his disposal.

To be fair it came out in the week that the money for a S&C coach has been available for a while but MB wanted to wait until the end of the season as the person he wanted to recruit was not available until then.

Having all the sports science stuff is now part of the game though it will certainly help it's not the "golden ticket" to promotion it needs to sit alongside signing decent players who have good injury records, signing players that can pass the ball/have a decent first touch and sending them out to play with a proper shape and game plan.

Quoted from mariner91

You said it yourself, you beat the reserve sides of most of those teams. Not that it isn't a great achievement, it is. But you beat reserve sides who were probably struggling to motivate themselves for a banana skin game against non-league opposition whereas your side had nothing to lose. Completely different to beating teams week in and week out in a league.

If you keep the Cowleys I think you will do well next season but you will need to do major surgery to your side. Your two highest scorers are Rhead and Arnold. Rhead struggled in the league with Mansfield previously and will be 33, you can't rely on him again. You also won't have Lee Angol next season so you'll need at least two strikers. Paul Hurst released Arnold because he didn't think he would be able to perform week in, week out at FL level and he's never managed to before. Would he be up to it? On his day definitely but he's too inconsistent in my opinion.
Farman is a non-league keeper and I know a lot of your own fans see him as a weak link. He's no better than McKeown in my opinion. Waterfall, for all your protestations to the contrary, is a poor man's Shaun Pearson. You've got Bradley Wood at right back who just isn't a good enough footballer to be starting in a team at the top end of L2. A lot of your better players such as Billy Knott and Harry Anderson are on loan so may not be there next season.

The arrogance to suggest L2 won't be an "issue" is laughable. The difference in quality between the FL and the NL is huge. Just look at Cheltenham and they don't have a mug for a manager by any means. The NL has been a lower quality overall in the last two or three seasons compared to when we first went down. Lincoln have obviously done fantastically well in the league but you've hardly been steamrollering teams, most of your wins since the turn of the year have been by a single goal along with the odd 2 or 3 nil loss at places like Barrow and Boreham Wood. Like I said, keep the Cowleys and I think you'll do well next season but only if they do some major surgery to your squad.

The teams we played didn't play a reserve team but changed the team too much 6 changes was crazy.
Soon as I knew the Arsenal line up knew we would lose far too strong.

The whole team has scored goals , players at a certain age their legs go but Rheady there is far more miles in him his game is not running he's a unique player think he has a few seasons left in him yet.
We have Shane Long on loan from Reading at right back looking to sign him, same with Angol & Anderson.

The Cowleys' do get that extra percentage out of players but  it's not arrogance about L2 just a belief in the whole set up.
They have got the whole City behind the team.

We are aiming for L1 ,we have banked a fair bit attendances have been crazy, debt is paid investment is still coming in plus we will get the Academy & league money back.
First though we have to win at Gateshead nothing is certain in this game.

Quoted from Mariner_09

When I saw Lincoln's side that faced Ipswich earlier in the season, I was surprised that it was 5 or 6 points clear in the Conference then. If you compare their side to ours last season. Wood is inferior to Tait by some distance and Waterfall and Raggett aren't nearly as good as Toto, Pearson and Gowling. Habergham is a good player and Woodyard and Power are both good but as good as Dis and Nolan? Not sure. Theo Robinson looked a real handful and so did Rhead so they are probably as effective as Amond and Bogle were in a different way. We all know Arnold would play in the Championship if he plays like he can do evey week.

The fact they have so many more points than we ever got suggests that the Cowleys are fantastic as they seem to drag that extra 10% out of the players that you need and that is compensating for the slight lack of quality. They also appeared to have a very clear understanding of one anothers roles and jobs and were all very comfortable playing with each other in the system they played. It all just seemed to fot nicely into place which is testament to thei organisational skills and ability to motivate the players. I wouldn't want them as our management team because their style of football is decidedly ugly from what I've seen. Lots of long balls up to Rhead but it is effective.

League 2 is faster physically and mentally but also very, very even. There isn't much between the 16 sides in the middle of the table at all. Lincoln wil need to bring in some decent quality players but with their South African friends, the FA Cup run and increased gates they should have plenty of money to sign these players. I look forward to playing Lincoln again next season, always love a good local derby against them, I've missed our annual Boxing Day 3 points.

I'd imagine that if the Cowleys do well with Lincoln next season they may well be poached by a much bigger and successful club. It is evident to me that those lads know exactly what they're doing to get teams winning games in that league. I'd expect them next season do similar to how we've done this term, which I'm sure most Lincoln fans would be happy with.

I hope that Mr Fenty permits some additional focus on sport science and technical development so we can compete on the same level as they seem to be at off the pitch. If what the BBC tells us is correct then their off the field preparation and sport science facilities are fantastic and we need to aim for these heights as our players will be fitter and also better on the ball, hence leading to much better results and possibly even a promotion to League 1 for the completion of our new stadium.

Raggett is a fine defender, I'd have him at BP next season in a heartbeat..

Got a sneaky feeling The Cowleys will have a better offer than League Two with Lincoln on the table over the summer..

Quoted from Helgy

The teams we played didn't play a reserve team but changed the team too much 6 changes was crazy.
Soon as I knew the Arsenal line up knew we would lose far too strong.

The whole team has scored goals , players at a certain age their legs go but Rheady there is far more miles in him his game is not running he's a unique player think he has a few seasons left in him yet.
We have Shane Long on loan from Reading at right back looking to sign him, same with Angol & Anderson.

The Cowleys' do get that extra percentage out of players but  it's not arrogance about L2 just a belief in the whole set up.
They have got the whole City behind the team.

We are aiming for L1 ,we have banked a fair bit attendances have been crazy, debt is paid investment is still coming in plus we will get the Academy & league money back.
First though we have to win at Gateshead nothing is certain in this game.

Sean Long is nothing special. Nearly 22, played less than 40 games in his career and wasn't first choice for Cambridge when on loan there earlier in the season.

Good luck getting Angol, he played 40 league games for Posh last season and they paid a fee for him. He's only on loan because he had to have his ankle pinned in August and wasn't fit enough to work his way back in to the posh side this season.

You might be able to get Harry Anderson but as decent as he is, he's not someone who would be outstanding in L2.

Call it what you like but it's still arrogance to suggest that L2 "won't be an issue". Like I said, you've done very well this season but let's not pretend that you're some team of world beaters. I've seen you plenty of times on TV this season to see that whilst extremely well drilled, fit and playing to a game plan there is generally a distinct lack of quality in the games you feature in. Even last week when you beat Dagenham fairly easily, you weren't particularly impressive more that Dagenham were shite. You've already conceded more goals this season than Cheltenham did last season and you're unlikely to score as many as them either and look how they've done in L2. Your belief that this current side of yours will come straight up and waltz through L2 in it's current guise is hilariously misguided.

Quoted from Bigdog

Raggett is a fine defender, I'd have him at BP next season in a heartbeat..

Got a sneaky feeling The Cowleys will have a better offer than League Two with Lincoln on the table over the summer..

Raggett is a great defender. Habergham is also a very good player. I would have Woodyard here in a flash given the opportunity and he would be the perfect foil for Jamey Osborne. Other than that though, I wouldn't take any of their players.

Quoted from Helgy

The teams we played didn't play a reserve team but changed the team too much 6 changes was crazy.
Soon as I knew the Arsenal line up knew we would lose far too strong.

The whole team has scored goals , players at a certain age their legs go but Rheady there is far more miles in him his game is not running he's a unique player think he has a few seasons left in him yet.
We have Shane Long on loan from Reading at right back looking to sign him, same with Angol & Anderson.

The Cowleys' do get that extra percentage out of players but  it's not arrogance about L2 just a belief in the whole set up.
They have got the whole City behind the team.

We are aiming for L1 ,we have banked a fair bit attendances have been crazy, debt is paid investment is still coming in plus we will get the Academy & league money back.
First though we have to win at Gateshead nothing is certain in this game.

You've had a great season, you will win the league and to be honest I am not convinced that its a surprise to anyone, what only a lunatic would have predicted is that you got to the 6th round of the cup,again you deserve credit for that.

If you get a chance try and check out extended highlights at least of the likes of Donny, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Exeter etc. Despite being a Lincoln fan Helgy you clearly have a sensible view on football so if you can catch footage of these sides you will see that there is a massive amount for you to do with that squad if you want to get out of L2 next season.

Yes you have the management talent are building the facilities and have good money in the bank but the difference is that there will be a good half a dozen plus teams who have the same and "have been there and done that" in terms of FL experience on and off the pitch.  

Added to that it's a funny league in that teams in the lower half of the table often beat the upper half which illustrates that it is far more competitive than the league you are about to win where only the likes of Tranmere, FGR and Dagenham provide a serious threat to you. You will face many more teams with less resource than you next season but with more than enough savvy, experience and desire to beat you home & away.

Could you get up again next season? Yeah I see what your saying looking at where you sit then potentially you could but for now I would just enjoy what will be a great few weeks for LCFC as a proper professional league awaits you next term.

Ipswich are very interested according to many sites , close to Essex fairly big club with decent stadium and all the other infa structure in place (thumbup2)

Ipswich are a very patient club too, McCarthy is now one of the longest serving managers in The Championship.

You are forgetting......there is nothing to say the team they have now is the team they will have next season...one team to escape the non league...one team (two teams x 3 managers) to stay in the league.

Rhead , despite all his critics...gave just about every club they played in the FA Cup something to think about.....he would serve them well in League 2 i believe.

Wish you all the best Helgy. I like the Cowley brothers and I don't see Lincoln as a fears rival ever since the bike ride we did all that time ago with their fans and the two charity football matches we played against you..

We need as many Lincolnshire clubs in the football league.

Good luck to lincoln today   . I also hope Tranmere come through the play offs

Paddy slots a penalty past gimps!!

The chase for top spot might not be over yet -

Latest...       Gateshead  1-0  Lincoln

                      Guiseley  1-2  Tranmere

Lincoln still need to lose 2 to lose top spot. Come on tranmere

Fyfield you mammary!

Bloody idiot

2-1 gimps. How do they keep doing it

flipping Arnold and his late goals

Chesterfield down today too, couple of decent away days next season.

Quoted from Hagrid

2-1 gimps. How do they keep doing it

Momentum. It's what teams who win titles do, they just keep going.

Worthy (and comfortable) winners of a very tough league. If Cowley stays there they will be a force next season. Not sure who I want to join them.

Well done lcfc and Nathan

Saw a load of Gimps fans at Donny station this morning and felt just a twinge of jealousy. Going away to watch your team move toward the title is a great feeling.

Quoted from ginnywings

Saw a load of Gimps fans at Donny station this morning and felt just a twinge of jealousy. Going away to watch your team move toward the title is a great feeling.

I'll have to take your word for it. I'm only 36.

Quoted from MeanwoodMariner

I'll have to take your word for it. I'm only 36.

I've only seen two title winning seasons and i was a mere pup of 12 for the first one. Second one was ace though as i was at the perfect age to enjoy it.

With their tiring season, how do they do these "Fergie" finishes?  2 games on  the trot now they have come from behind and won when losing very close to the end.  Losing today in the 90th min.  They did exactly the same at FGR to come back and win.

Interesting to see how many fans they bring next season.

Realism hits home for (some) Tranmere fans, as they are coming to terms with NL:

Would you rather be a big fish in NL or a small fish in L2?
I'm enjoying this season and i think its because we're the big guns.

Any type of fish in L2 for me. I personally think this league is horrendous). I don't go away at the moment and I know our fans that do have enjoyed going to different grounds etc so they may have a different view. We need to get out of it asap. When the fixtures come out I think @#$%&, this is bad. Obviously being at the right end of the table can turn any fixture into a big game but my God we need to get out of it before it becomes our tomb.

I hate this league with a passion.

We aren't a football league club we are Non League side. The fact of the matter is we are here because we deserve it. 2 seasons in and we haven't lit the place on fire because it's our level. I would much rather watch us play at our level and be competitive than be getting toshed every week at Morecombe. Let's not fool ourselves we will struggle in League 2. We aren't the money bags some people like to think we are.

Day out in Liverpool, do the beatles tour, be a laugh. The rest - Forest Green isn't a proper club and im not going to Mordor or wherever the flipping heck it is. Dagenham is dull and Dover is only good on the way back from France and I can't afford it next season so Ill have Tranmere back next season.

Can't wait to see arrogant Dale Vinces face if FGR lose out in the play-off final at Wembley again.

I've not really taken much notice of the National League table this season and I'm surprised to see that Aldershot look like they could qualify for the play-offs.

Quoted from Les Brechin

I've not really taken much notice of the National League table this season and I'm surprised to see that Aldershot look like they could qualify for the play-offs.

Clearly the impact of Straker ;)

Well I for one am Glad the imps have joined us great atmosphere on bank holidays big gates, more money and help keep those bin dipping wirrel  losers sweating over a play off spot.

After all the success this season the gimps still showed how tin pot they really are yesterday, the Cowleys got carried away by thinking all these new fans were actually authentic and called for a 5000 strong away following to their big game at Gateshead 2.5 hours away.
Now considering the home gates they are now getting this was more than reasonable but have to say I nearly drunk myself with laughter when I see the gate of 3770, pretty embarrrasing hey helgy, did you even manage 2000? I tell you what these Cowley boys will be on their way at the end of the season to a proper club.

Quoted from Grim74

After all the success this season the gimps still showed how tin pot they really are yesterday, the Cowleys got carried away by thinking all these new fans were actually authentic and called for a 5000 strong away following to their big game at Gateshead 2.5 hours away.
Now considering the home gates they are now getting this was more than reasonable but have to say I nearly drunk myself with laughter when I see the gate of 3770, pretty embarrrasing hey helgy, did you even manage 2000? I tell you what these Cowley boys will be on their way at the end of the season to a proper club.

Not really surprising is it? It was only 12 months ago they had less than 2000 fans at a home match against FGR. The ones who went yesterday were probably the ones who have stuck with them through the shite times so I don't begrudge them what was obviously a great day out. The actual fans went, the bandwagoners probably stayed at home and did some gardening.

To take 3200 to Gateshead on a bank holiday when it's on the telly is pretty fantastic away supprt really.

Quoted from Mariner_09

To take 3200 to Gateshead on a bank holiday when it's on the telly is pretty fantastic away supprt really.

They took 2400. On a bank holiday makes it easier to get to.

Lincoln could confirm promotion this Saturday.

Lincoln v Macclesfield       BT Sport Live     ( 12:15 KO )

Probably give it a watch before setting off to watch Town at BP.

Quoted from mariner91

They took 2400. On a bank holiday makes it easier to get to.

Even easier if you jump on a bandwagon to get there ;)

Quoted from lukeo

Wish you all the best Helgy. I like the Cowley brothers and I don't see Lincoln as a fears rival ever since the bike ride we did all that time ago with their fans and the two charity football matches we played against you..

Enjoyed both the bike ride but mostly the matches. We did get hammered at yours 4-0 regular team didn't turn up to the away game think that was a running theme lol.

Quoted from Grim74

After all the success this season the gimps still showed how tin pot they really are yesterday, the Cowleys got carried away by thinking all these new fans were actually authentic and called for a 5000 strong away following to their big game at Gateshead 2.5 hours away.
Now considering the home gates they are now getting this was more than reasonable but have to say I nearly drunk myself with laughter when I see the gate of 3770, pretty embarrrasing hey helgy, did you even manage 2000? I tell you what these Cowley boys will be on their way at the end of the season to a proper club.

They averaged 600 we took 2400 ,suppose we will see in the summer on the take up of season tickets of what support we will retain.
Sold out for Saturday 9500 think Macc are bringing 100.

Very pleased to see them coming up. Will make for two great local derby's next season.

Also great to see the smug FGR chairman proved wrong about them winning the league this year in his highly ungracious interview after last years play off final. I hope Tranmere see them and their three thousand fans off in the play off final this year.

These tin pot outfits which are no more than executive toys for the super rich should have no place in the football league.

Will Lincoln outsell us in season ticket sales next season I wonder

Quite possibly,  if they keep their feel good factor they just might do it. But if they don't get off to a flying start their crowds will drop below ours as per normal.  Let's be honest, I think we took our eye off the ball on that one. Depending on comings and goings at our end as well.  I think there will be a few, so lets wait and see on that one.  I genuinely think that being back in the league they will sell all their tickets for our place.  

Quoted from Garth

Will Lincoln outsell us in season ticket sales next season I wonder

Living here in Lincoln I think they will & would not be surprised if they sell 4000 plus. I have lived here for 40 years and never known this level of interest in the past even when they have had good teams under Taylor And Murphy, even big Keith.

Guys I played football with all those years ago who used to go once or twice a season now never miss a game and the Imps are the main topic of their conversations. They also say that they are surprised at how many women and families are attending and it looks like cup runs are the main ingredient for galvanizing an increase in support.

Lets face it we hardly ever got much above 60000 for play off games or big important home league games so their current attendances are pretty impressive.

Personally believe the Cowleys will stay another year and unlike PH he has committed to offereing new contracts to all players which will good for team morale and with a big budget for players they will be a threat next season.

Lets hope Russ can do the business as my visits to the pub will continue to be filled with stories of their beloved imps and I need some ammo to throw back and being above them in the league will help greatly!!

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Living here in Lincoln I think they will & would not be surprised if they sell 4000 plus. I have lived here for 40 years and never known this level of interest in the past even when they have had good teams under Taylor And Murphy, even big Keith.

Guys I played football with all those years ago who used to go once or twice a season now never miss a game and the Imps are the main topic of their conversations. They also say that they are surprised at how many women and families are attending and it looks like cup runs are the main ingredient for galvanizing an increase in support.

Lets face it we hardly ever got much above 60000 for play off games or big important home league games so their current attendances are pretty impressive.

Personally believe the Cowleys will stay another year and unlike PH he has committed to offereing new contracts to all players which will good for team morale and with a big budget for players they will be a threat next season.

Lets hope Russ can do the business as my visits to the pub will continue to be filled with stories of their beloved imps and I need some ammo to throw back and being above them in the league will help greatly!!

60,000????

Think it will be a mistake if Cowley goes with largely the same squad as this year, much bigger jump than I imagined thats for sure

they may actually sell out when they play us!

Depends on those sort of contract offered. After Monday's game Cowley said it had been a great year 'Whatever happens to us in the future'. A veiled warning that the journey ends here for some?

Quoted from Cloudy

60,000????

Think it will be a mistake if Cowley goes with largely the same squad as this year, much bigger jump than I imagined thats for sure

Yeah, i agree with that. The standard in League 2 is a lot better than i remember it but i don't know if that is because it has improved while we've been away or because we were dire last time we were in it. Bit of both probably.

As for Lincoln, they clearly have a lot of potential and the Cowleys have tapped into that in a very impressive manner. Like it or not, their support will probably surpass ours if they carry on the way they are next season. It feels like when we had McMenemy as manager but that didn't last long before he was whisked away to bigger things. The Cowleys will be on the radar of bigger clubs and if they do well again, they will be gone no doubt, so the Lincoln fans need to enjoy it while it lasts.

Quoted from Chris Packit

Depends on those sort of contract offered. After Monday's game Cowley said it had been a great year 'Whatever happens to us in the future'. A veiled warning that the journey ends here for some?

I heard that and interpreted it as him saying that they'll be moving on to new pastures themselves.

Quoted from ginnywings

Yeah, i agree with that. The standard in League 2 is a lot better than i remember it but i don't know if that is because it has improved while we've been away or because we were dire last time we were in it. Bit of both probably.

As for Lincoln, they clearly have a lot of potential and the Cowleys have tapped into that in a very impressive manner. Like it or not, their support will probably surpass ours if they carry on the way they are next season. It feels like when we had McMenemy as manager but that didn't last long before he was whisked away to bigger things. The Cowleys will be on the radar of bigger clubs and if they do well again, they will be gone no doubt, so the Lincoln fans need to enjoy it while it lasts.

Not so sure about them going they like to finish off what they started ,did at Concord went as far as they could and same with Braintree.

Going to be 9500 there on Saturday would have been more but TV gantry takes away 150 seats in the co-op.

Quoted from Helgy

Not so sure about them going they like to finish off what they started ,did at Concord went as far as they could and same with Braintree.

Going to be 9500 there on Saturday would have been more but TV gantry takes away 150 seats in the co-op.

Maybe the remit was to get you back into the league, which without a f~~k up of momentous proportions is what they've done, so maybe they will have finished what they started by the end of this season.

Quoted from Helgy

Not so sure about them going they like to finish off what they started ,did at Concord went as far as they could and same with Braintree.

Going to be 9500 there on Saturday would have been more but TV gantry takes away 150 seats in the co-op.

If a Championship club come in for them, they will be gone. They would be mad not to.

Quoted from ginnywings

If a Championship club come in for them, they will be gone. They would be mad not to.

When a Championship (or League 1) club come in for them, they will be gone. They would be mad not to.

I can see them staying at Lincoln for another season, get them settled in league 2 then move on.

Hate to say it but I think Lincoln may well do a Bristol Rovers and achieve back to promotions if they keep hold of their management team. Just hope we will be league 1 with them.

Quoted from ginnywings

If a Championship club come in for them, they will be gone. They would be mad not to.

Kind of agree but with them they are different think the aim is L1 minimum.
When I speak to them its always long term not short term.
Never known managers like them they are on a different level.

Quoted from Helgy

Kind of agree but with them they are different think the aim is L1 minimum.
When I speak to them its always long term not short term.
Never known managers like them they are on a different level.

To be fair......they havnt had alot to live upto have they ?  ;)

Quoted from Helgy

Kind of agree but with them they are different think the aim is L1 minimum.
When I speak to them its always long term not short term.
Never known managers like them they are on a different level.

They'll be sacked by October next season with Lincoln languishing in the bottom 2.  ;)

Quoted from Helgy

Kind of agree but with them they are different think the aim is L1 minimum.

I mean, that'd be a massive achievement in itself, seen as you've been up to that level what....once since the 60's? and even then that was about 20 years ago?  :P

Quoted from Helgy

Kind of agree but with them they are different think the aim is L1 minimum.
When I speak to them its always long term not short term.
Never known managers like them they are on a different level.

I'd heard they actually approached us when Paul Hurst left.

Quoted from Helgy

Kind of agree but with them they are different think the aim is L1 minimum.
When I speak to them its always long term not short term.
Never known managers like them they are on a different level.

" think the aim is L1 minimum" with which club?

Lincoln v Macclesfield       Live BT Sport

Anyone watching.

Rhys Browne and Luke Summerfield playing for Macclesfield.

I just can't help myself - Im supporting Macclesfield - I want Lincoln fans to be nervous next week.

Although I am enjoying the battle of the Grimsby B sides.

Get in!!!! C'mon Macc

Oooo that makes things interesting

Lincoln have to not win all their final games to give Tranny a chance.

Damn it

what annoys me more is all the fans that jump on the band wagon when their respective club is doing well

Let's be honest, if anyone has watched any conference games this season they'll know that the competition has been pretty naff, even the pundits have said the same.

Watching the game all it is, is hoof football by them boring

Macc look rubbish, Browne and Summerfield not really in the game.

For 10,000 people there today atmosphere is shocking

Lincoln winning and should be promoted, at least we have another local derby now.......£££

I don't normally attend away games nowadays but I reckon I'll get myself to Sincil Bank next season.

If the Cowleys do go Lincoln could do a lot worse than reinstate Moyses as manager.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Lincoln winning and should be promoted, at least we have another local derby now.......£££

I don't normally attend away games nowadays but I reckon I'll get myself to Sincil Bank next season.

If the Cowleys do go Lincoln could do a lot worse than reinstate Moyses as manager.

You've said this before and I don't understand it? Why would a manager who had them finish in the bottom half of the NL be a good appointment? Is he a friend of yours or something?

Gimps, the football club that makes getting promoted a boring affair

Quoted from mariner91

You've said this before and I don't understand it? Why would a manager who had them finish in the bottom half of the NL be a good appointment? Is he a friend of yours or something?

Tongue in cheek mate, I should have added a......... 8)

Quoted from promotion plaice

Tongue in cheek mate, I should have added a......... 8)

You should have! For what it's worth I'd love to see him back there.

Well congratulations Imps, but it beggars belief that people on here were saying no to Slade because of hoofball but wanted the Cowleys!!

Congratulations Lincoln. High sixes all round

Watched the whole match today and again, they weren't particularly impressive. They won but Macc were dogshite.

Ahah Arnold not even celebrating with them 😂 GRIMSBYITIS at its finest

Make way for the likes of Helgy coming on here giving it the big un about how they'll p1ss league 2 next season 😴

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Congratulations Lincoln. High sixes all round

Post of the week. I just spit my coffee out.

Hopefully we can get a home game against them early in  the season , they might fill our away end for the first time in history then.
If their bubble bursts we'll soon be back to 500 away fans again

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Make way for the likes of Helgy coming on here giving it the big un about how they'll p1ss league 2 next season 😴

Would I ever do that lol.

Cowleys' think we can do it and the belief is massive right now but you can never take anything for granted in football just enjoying the moment right now.
After so many seasons of dross & we have been poor this one has been one hell of a season I have just enjoyed the ride.

Cowleys' have revolutionised the whole club people only see the end product on the pitch but these boys are unbelievable.

Quoted from Helgy

Would I ever do that lol.

Cowleys' think we can do it and the belief is massive right now but you can never take anything for granted in football just enjoying the moment right now.
After so many seasons of dross & we have been poor this one has been one hell of a season I have just enjoyed the ride.

Cowleys' have revolutionised the whole club people only see the end product on the pitch but these boys are unbelievable.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The current eleven you have starting would not make the play offs in L2. The conf. is incredibly poor standard these days, Macc are 9th and looked utter shite today.

Quoted from Helgy

Would I ever do that lol.

Cowleys' think we can do it and the belief is massive right now but you can never take anything for granted in football just enjoying the moment right now.
After so many seasons of dross & we have been poor this one has been one hell of a season I have just enjoyed the ride.

Cowleys' have revolutionised the whole club people only see the end product on the pitch but these boys are unbelievable.

Chuffed for you Helgy. It's great to get out of that hell hole. League 2 is better than i remember it being, so you will need plenty of new blood if you are to compete.

Only think they are going to get 6 points of us with easy 😂 And wait for it go up again dear me they need a brain it's no part teams now not as easy as you think but funny if they do a Cheltenham  

Quoted from OllieGTFC

Only think they are going to get 6 points of us with easy 😂 And wait for it go up again dear me they need a brain it's no part teams now not as easy as you think but funny if they do a Cheltenham  

Could we have a translation please. ::)
oh the irony..............

I hope we play them at home early in the season while they still have a lot of fans,


BECAUSE

After Christmas when they are finding things a bit harder and near the bottom of the league,

The ones jumping on the bandwagon would have jumped off again.

Well done Lincoln look forward to playing you again next season

Some deluded comments on their forum. Silly gimps

Apologies if already posted in this thread. But I though this might be worth a re-run!  ;D

[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36302581[/url]

Quoted from wigworld

Apologies if already posted in this thread. But I though this might be worth a re-run!  ;D

[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36302581[/url]

Was clearly watching a different game to me and doesn't seem very knowledgeable about football. We were better than them for most of the game, no question and 3-1 was a fair result.

Lincoln will need a totally new squad, unless I can only see them doing a Cheltenham next season (icon_lol)

Quoted from Helgy

Would I ever do that lol.

Cowleys' think we can do it and the belief is massive right now but you can never take anything for granted in football just enjoying the moment right now.
After so many seasons of dross & we have been poor this one has been one hell of a season I have just enjoyed the ride.

Cowleys' have revolutionised the whole club people only see the end product on the pitch but these boys are unbelievable.

What do you expect them to say? You are not going to win tin pot for them to say "we will struggle next year".

However................ As much as its through gritted teeth I m pleased for Helgy and the other loyal supporters who have stuck with you club through some tough time, you patience and loyalty has been richly rewarded this season.

So onto the close season stuff, you know you took Arnold we have a lad called Gunning that you may be interested in, someone recently said he was capable of playing at a higher level than league 2.  

Well done Imps you capped a great season in style looking forward to two cracking derby's next season.

Your average attendance this season: 5,186
Lincoln's average this season: 5,160

You are not the "much bigger club" you like to think you are.

Yes we are. We always will be, we always have been. So shushh

Love that interview with the self obsessed and egotistical vegan prat. Sorry, bar that 15 minutes before they scored in the second half when Parkin missed that sitter and the same fat git nearly ended Josh Gowling's career where they looked dangerous, we totally controlled the game. Jon Nolan was a cut above anything they could offer that day.

Lincoln did it in style . When was the last time town won anything at bp ?  Not including the lincs cup ..........

We won a game today. I dont give a excrement if lincoln won it in style, we're Grimsby town ffs whats the matter with you man?!

Calm down man
Just pointing out a fact .

Quoted from fleabag1970

Calm down man
Just pointing out a fact .

We did it in style at wembley stadium.

Quoted from Scarborough Seadog

Your average attendance this season: 5,186
Lincoln's average this season: 5,160

You are not the "much bigger club" you like to think you are.

We've been inconsistently average all season you absolute clown and we're still putting the gimps to shame. Let's examine the average attendances from when you were shite:

2011-12: 2,298
2012-13: 2,234
2013-14: 2,354
2014-15: 2,562
2015-16: 2,598

Conclusion: tinpot shitehouse club with an embarrassing fan-base of bandwagon jumping part-timers. Wasn't long ago you only had 1300 people showing up for home matches. Bore off, buffoon.

Quoted from Scarborough Seadog

Your average attendance this season: 5,186
Lincoln's average this season: 5,160

You are not the "much bigger club" you like to think you are.

If anything I'd say that proves that we are. We've been average at best all season and for the most part have been downright atrocious in home games. By my reckoning we've had four good home performances all season and two of them were within the last 8 days. We've had nothing to play for really (due to Bignot being daft) for a few weeks whereas Lincoln have had their best season ever yet we still have a higher average attendance. Lincoln hadn't even managed 4,000 at home until December and they were in the top three at that point. Bandwagon fans.

I think I recall that they have let kids in cheap or free since Christmas which inflates the number too

Well done Lincoln. Great season. No quibbles or snide remarks from me. Today.

And especially chuffed to see that pony-tailed prat shown up for his ignorance.  :)

Quoted from Scarborough Seadog

Your average attendance this season: 5,186
Lincoln's average this season: 5,160

You are not the "much bigger club" you like to think you are.

How's the average over the past 5 seasons looking?

With their wealthy South African backer, their TV money, increased gates and merchandise turnover Lincoln will have the budget to do a complete rebuild for next season. They will be a force to be reckoned with.

Quoted from Trawler

With their wealthy South African backer, their TV money, increased gates and merchandise turnover Lincoln will have the budget to do a complete rebuild for next season. They will be a force to be reckoned with.

All providing they keep their manager.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

All providing they keep their manager.

Their budget will be equal to if not bigger than ours in the close season and the additional funds the Bogle sale gave us.

Regardless of who manages them that is a decent L2 budget. And if the Cowleys go expect them to get in a decent replacement.

We have lost 2 managers this season and will still finish up near the playoffs.

Quoted from Chrisblor

We've been inconsistently average all season you absolute clown and we're still putting the gimps to shame. Let's examine the average attendances from when you were shite:

2011-12: 2,298
2012-13: 2,234
2013-14: 2,354
2014-15: 2,562
2015-16: 2,598

Conclusion: tinpot shitehouse club with an embarrassing fan-base of bandwagon jumping part-timers. Wasn't long ago you only had 1300 people showing up for home matches. Bore off, buffoon.

As someone rightfully said on here some days ago:
You can take the football club out the tin pot, but you can't take the tin pot out of the football club  ;D

Quoted from Trawler

Their budget will be equal to if not bigger than ours in the close season and the additional funds the Bogle sale gave us.

Regardless of who manages them that is a decent L2 budget. And if the Cowleys go expect them to get in a decent replacement.

We have lost 2 managers this season and will still finish up near the playoffs.

What is your budget?
We have had to run lean staff wise for years and now get back the academy monies and league monies so that in itself is a massive boost.

Quoted from Helgy

What is your budget?
We have had to run lean staff wise for years and now get back the academy monies and league monies so that in itself is a massive boost.

How much is the academy and league money actually worth?

League 2 'solidarity' payment is about 250,000 to 300,000 a season. About a months pay for an average Prem footballer.

Quoted from Chrisblor

We've been inconsistently average all season you absolute clown and we're still putting the gimps to shame. Let's examine the average attendances from when you were shite:

2011-12: 2,298
2012-13: 2,234
2013-14: 2,354
2014-15: 2,562
2015-16: 2,598

Conclusion: tinpot shitehouse club with an embarrassing fan-base of bandwagon jumping part-timers. Wasn't long ago you only had 1300 people showing up for home matches. Bore off, buffoon.

The attendance wankery on your side always makes me laugh, in the same way the 'Grimsby is so horrible I don't want to go' is utter wankery on our side. Both as bad as each other. I know we bought naff all to your place several times in a row but we were absolutely dogshite (at one point desperately scrabbling to stay in the league with a bunch of conf north (at best) standard players) and through our time in the Conference you were actually fairly decent. The season or two you were crap - if not as crap as we were -  in the conference I think you were just scraping 3k looking at it. Basically you have a bigger hardcore than us by 750 ish and you travel slightly better than we do. If either of us do well the fans turn up; every club has it's bandwagoners.

For what it's worth I'd accept we are carrying a few average conference players but there's a strong-ish core (especially Woodyard/Raggett/Habergham) who we'll have to keep hold of, and I wouldn't underestimate the significance of the 'team' we've had - certainly greater than the sum of its parts. I wouldn't swap our management team for anyone in the lower leagues and it will be interesting to see what they can do with the cup money and Nates' extra cash. I know you'd all love us to do a Cheltenham, but I think we'll be okay at the very least.

Anyway looking forward to the derby next season! Oh and as for the obsession theme - also both as bad as each other - you lot have this massive 30 pager going about us and I'm on here reading what you've said!!!

Fair comment Rasenimp. Glad to see you back, it's great beating you lot. ;)

Quoted from rasenimp

The attendance wankery on your side always makes me laugh, in the same way the 'Grimsby is so horrible I don't want to go' is utter wankery on our side. Both as bad as each other. I know we bought naff all to your place several times in a row but we were absolutely dogshite (at one point desperately scrabbling to stay in the league with a bunch of conf north (at best) standard players) and through our time in the Conference you were actually fairly decent. The season or two you were crap - if not as crap as we were -  in the conference I think you were just scraping 3k looking at it. Basically you have a bigger hardcore than us by 750 ish and you travel slightly better than we do. If either of us do well the fans turn up; every club has it's bandwagoners.

For what it's worth I'd accept we are carrying a few average conference players but there's a strong-ish core (especially Woodyard/Raggett/Habergham) who we'll have to keep hold of, and I wouldn't underestimate the significance of the 'team' we've had - certainly greater than the sum of its parts. I wouldn't swap our management team for anyone in the lower leagues and it will be interesting to see what they can do with the cup money and Nates' extra cash. I know you'd all love us to do a Cheltenham, but I think we'll be okay at the very least.

Anyway looking forward to the derby next season! Oh and as for the obsession theme - also both as bad as each other - you lot have this massive 30 pager going about us and I'm on here reading what you've said!!!

All I can say to that is what a load of utter sense.

I was hoping you would fall at the final hurdle but seeing as you've managed to join the big boys, welcome back to the Football League and some money making local derbies for both of our clubs.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Conclusion: tinpot shitehouse club with an embarrassing fan-base of bandwagon jumping part-timers. Wasn't long ago you only had 1300 people showing up for home matches. Bore off, buffoon.

Cannot back this assertion enough. My wifes hairdresser and hubby started following Lincoln second round of the cup. Never bothered before. Had an extension put in, guy who designed it went to Arsenal, first time in 24 years he's been. Couple next doors son who visits every so often, never mentioned Lincoln, walks past in Gimps shirt last week.
The worst of the worst glory supporters, none of these people turned up in last 6 years when they could easily have lost their club.
And now, after 6 years of embarrassed silence we have 2 turn up on here, to bang on about support.
Waah waah not fair Fenty puts millions in to your club... then take suitcase of cash from Everton following hedge funder from S Africa

Rubbish fans, derided throughout genuine supporter forums everywhere. Back to normal as soon as the Cowley bandwagon moves onto their next challenge.

Quoted from rasenimp

Anyway looking forward to the derby next season! Oh and as for the obsession theme - also both as bad as each other - you lot have this massive 30 pager going about us and I'm on here reading what you've said!!!

That's probably cos we have a bigger and more active fanbase  ;)

Witness the many times when we've sold out the away allocation at Sincil Bank and would have sold more, but your club couldn't find a way to let us use all those empty seats.

Truth be told there's been many complimentary comments in this thread. And the fact is, we don't have this need to shout how we hate Lincoln when we win promotion - we've moved on to bigger and more justified hatreds of another team in red stripes.  ;D

Well done Imps and congratulations on Promotion I look forward to our customary 6 points.

Although in the last 4 conference seasons we never took 6 points off them.

Not sure Lincoln will find League 2 as easy as they think, they scraped a lot of wins in the tinpot by only one goal and some from a losing position
and the Cowleys are entering unknown territory in The Football League.

But Imps chairman Bob Dorrian seems to think they can reach The Championship with the Cowleys on board.

They're also talking of building a larger capacity new stadium now the crowds ( fair-weather fans ) have increased   ;D

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/why-can-t-lincoln-city-reach-the-championship-imps-chairman-full-of-ambition-after-title-triumph/story-30296603-detail/story.html

Can't believe only one person has mentioned Nathan Arnold's reaction in Lincolns promotion celebrations. Played almost every game for them this season and he clearly couldn't give a flying .... that they have gone up. Clear to see where his loyalties lie.

Slade bring him back to where he belongs he could definitely do a job.

Quoted from GTFCH

Can't believe only one person has mentioned Nathan Arnold's reaction in Lincolns promotion celebrations. Played almost every game for them this season and he clearly couldn't give a flying .... that they have gone up. Clear to see where his loyalties lie.

Slade bring him back to where he belongs he could definitely do a job.

Not sure about that.........LincolnshireLive -

Nathan Arnold won promotion last season with Grimsby Town, but the Lincoln City winger says winning the title with the Imps this season has been his greatest achievement in football.

I'm sure Arnold was delighted with this season, but a player will always say the thing that will go down best with his current club and he's not alone in that trait.
What he must be aghast at, being the sincere and genuine bloke that he is would be the actions of some of his team mates in singing anti-Grimsby songs and looking like yobs out on the booze....they wear that chip on their shoulder like a badge of honour, half a dozen Vital goons probably loved it, everyone else wondering why they can't just celebrate their own avhievements and be stop fretting over their neighbours.

Have Lincoln ever been through administration before? Just a question not a dig at them ?

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

Have Lincoln ever been through administration before? Just a question not a dig at them ?

No

Village green also said that they would move rapidly to the Championship - and look what hasn't to them!  :)

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

Village green also said that they would move rapidly to the Championship - and look what hasn't to them!  :)

Dear old Dale Vince...tee hee (icon_lol)

'Forest Green 'will win league in 2017'   [url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36302581[/url]

Quoted from grimsby pete

No

Yes at the end of 2001/2002 season.
That's how Big Keith got the job at the time he was Buckley's assistant, after he left he was promoted to manager.

Some numpty posts on the Lincoln forum that they are third favourites for the title and promotion ......... ;D

http://www.lincoln.vitalfootball.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=49397&posts=7