Football Season Review

Lincoln City enjoyed a successful first season back in the Football League despite suffering the disappointment of losing to Exeter City in the play-off semi-finals. The Imps had been treading water in the National League before Danny Cowley was appointed manager in May 2016. He made an immediate impact as they were crowned National League Champions last summer and made several crucial additions to his squad. They made a steady if unspectacular start to the league campaign but were soon challenging for the play-offs and were in third place on New Year’s Day. That proved to be a high point as they were unable to sustain the form needed to challenge for automatic promotion. They enjoyed a welcome distraction in the EFL Trophy, which saw them reach Wembley for the first time in their 134-year history and lifted the silverware with a 1-0 win over League One side Shrewsbury Town. They eventually finished in 7th place in the League Two table but Cowley admitted they were beaten by the better side after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Exeter City in the two-legged play-off semi-final. Defeat notwithstanding there are plenty of positive for the Imps, who boasted the second best average attendance in the division and have a new stadium on the horizon. Cowley has signed a new deal until 2022 and they look a good bet to be challenging at the top of League Two again next season. He can rely on a strong spine with midfielder Alex Woodyard an ever-present in the middle of the park. Michael Bostwick was influential in both midfield and defence whilst striker Matt Green finished as leading goalscorer with 17 goals whilst full-back Neal Eardley was voted as player of the season.

Player of the Season: Neal Eardley