By Nathan Jackson
February 12 2011

In an online interview with Lincoln United manager John Wilkinson, it was revealed that Lincoln United fans often say to him that they one day want to be as big as the Imps, although the Whites manager is realistic regarding the chances of this happening.

Competing in the Evostik League South, Lincoln United are four levels below the Imps and the clubs have never met in a competitive fixture in a recognised competition and other than a friendly every now and then, the clubs rarely have any interaction these days. The two teams did used to have a good relationship, however, it all went downhill in 2008 when Lincoln United blamed their relegation on the fact that City's reserves used Ashby Avenue for their fixtures.

Speaking about the rivalry between the two clubs, manager John Wilkinson was more realistic about United's potential than some of their fans. “I think you have to start with a mind-set that you’re never going to pass Lincoln City,” Wilkinson admitted to the online blog The Linc. “You’ve got to assume that, right or wrong. People say, “You’ve got to be more ambitious than that,” but you’ve got to be realistic as well. You can’t expect to oust them. All you can aspire to is to be as good as you possibly can.”

United's recent successes have been few and far between. They haven't got into the first round of the FA Cup since the 1990s, although they did reach the Fourth Qualifying Round last season, losing out to Cambridge United at Ashby Avenue, that despite ex-Imp Jamie Forrester giving United the lead. Infact, United's consistent signing of ex-Imps is the main link between the sides. Although just three of Lincoln United's current squad have represented Lincoln at some stage, it hasn't been uncommon for United to have around half of their matchday squad representing a proverbial "ghost of Lincoln City past".

Realistically the only chance United would have in the forseeable future of overtaking the Imps in terms of League position would be either a massive collapse from the Imps, or a major investor into the club. The latter would have a major impact in the lower Leagues and has certainly been the case in the case of Fleetwood Town. Fleetwood have gained four promotions in six years and a 3-0 win at Ashby Avenue at the end of the 2007/8 season relegated Lincoln United. They are now on the verge of the Football League.

You can read the full article - Here

Lincoln United fans want club to be as big as City

Discussion started by theimps.ka (IP Logged), 12/02/2011 23:36

theimps.ka
12/02/2011 23:36

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Helgy.
13/02/2011 08:08

They did an article on the 12th man in the same issue quite good the Linc are.

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