SW Podcast 491 – Humbled by Bournemouth, and Previewing Preston!

After a bit of a drubbing at Bournemouth, Ben and Charlie are here to pick the bones out of it all. We take a look at our Carabao exit, and look at what, if anything, really went wrong. We're also looking forward to the weekend's game against Preston, as well as taking a couple of questions from the audience. Up the Imps! Spotify – Apple – Acast –

staceywest.net

Six Years On From Most Painful Lincoln City Footballing Break-Up

Six years ago today, Danny and Nicky Cowley left Lincoln City. Even now, 9th September is a date which feels significant, because their departure represented far more than a change of management. It felt like the end of an era and, at the time, perhaps even the end of everything we had built. At the time, Clive Nates attempted to provide some reassurance, saying the unprecedented success of the previous three years had transformed every aspect of Lincoln City and left us in a strong position to continue progressing.

staceywest.net

Preston North End vs Lincoln City Matchday Guide (3)

Lincoln City make their second trip of the season to Lancashire this weekend to play Preston North End, the second of three long away trips in succession. For the third time this season, we have put together a matchday guide for Imps supporters making the journey to the north-west of England on Saturday. Tickets The latest sales update on Monday afternoon was that City fans had snapped up almost 1500 tickets for our visit to Deepdale on Saturday afternoon.

staceywest.net

Lincolnshire Non League – Spalding Stun Spennymoor With Late Double

There was plenty of midweek action for our local non-league sides, with Spalding United producing the standout result on their travels, writes David Ward. Spennymoor Town 1-3 Spalding United Spalding United continued their excellent run with a superb 3-1 victory away at Spennymoor Town in National League North. The hosts started strongly and created a couple of good opportunities to take the lead, but the Tulips grew in confidence as the contest progressed.

staceywest.net

Former Lincoln City Defender Bags Home Nation International Position

Former Lincoln City defender Alan Sheehan has joined Craig Bellamy’s Wales backroom staff ahead of the country’s UEFA Nations League campaign. The 39-year-old has been appointed as an assistant coach alongside former Swansea City and Wales defender Ashley Williams. They replace James Rowberry, who has stepped down because of work commitments. Sheehan arrives with significant experience from his time at Swansea City, where he served as an assistant coach and had two periods in interim charge before being handed the head coach position permanently in April 2025.

staceywest.net

What Lincoln City Can Take From A Heavy Bournemouth Defeat

It's been more than four years since Lincoln City lost by four clear goals, and while last night feels like a bit of a gut punch, there will be lots of value to take away. The first thing I came away from Bournemouth thinking was that I had underestimated them. I don't think Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw did, but I certainly did.

staceywest.net

‘Wouldn’t Just Give Them Their Flowers’ – Lincoln City Attacker On AFC Bournemouth Defeat

Chiedozie Ogbene admitted Lincoln City were disappointed with the manner of their Carabao Cup defeat at Bournemouth, insisting the Imps were not prepared simply to accept the Premier League side’s superiority and “give them their flowers”. City were beaten 4-0 on the south coast as Ryan Christie scored three goals, with Brazilian Rayan, a player with a £130m release clause…

staceywest.net

‘Better Than Us’ – Chris Cohen Makes Frank Lincoln City Admission

Lincoln City joint head coach Chris Cohen admitted Bournemouth were simply too good for his side as the Imps bowed out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 defeat on the south coast. City had enjoyed a promising opening few minutes and might have expected the contest to develop in a similar fashion to some of their recent Championship outings. Instead, Ryan Christie’s early goal changed the complexion of the game, with Bournemouth taking control from that point onwards and eventually running out comfortable winners.

staceywest.net

Injury News Emerges As Tottenham Hotspur Loanee Misses Cup Defeat

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Mason Melia missed Lincoln City's 4-0 defeat against Bournemouth last night, prompting discussion around his role at the club. City beat off 30-odd clubs for the attacker's signature, but his involvement has been limited to one start against Blackpool and three short cameos. He failed to make the matchday squad for the game against Southampton this weekend, and was again not included as the Imps went out of the cup last night.

staceywest.net

Lincoln City And Premier League Opposition In The League Cup (Part Two)

Lincoln City have had plenty of League Cup encounters with top-flight opposition, which produced famous victories, painful defeats and more than a few occasions when the Imps deserved better. In part one, we looked back at the first six ties following the formation of the Premier League in 1992, beginning with Crystal Palace and taking us through memorable contests against Everton, Southampton and Birmingham City.

staceywest.net

Christie Triple Sinks Imps’ Hopes: AFC Bournemouth 4-0 Lincoln City

Lincoln City were dismissed from the League Cup with ease by Premier League Bournemouth on the south coast, with two late goals adding gloss to a scoreline that, in truth, reflected the game. It remained 1-0 for much of the game, but the latter stages saw Ryan Christie add to his early opener, before Rayan finished it off in injury time, making it the biggest defeat City have had since August 2022.

staceywest.net

Lincoln City And Premier League Opposition In The League Cup (Part One)

Tonight, Lincoln City travel to the South Coast to take on AFC Bournemouth in the League Cup. It is the first time the two clubs have played each other in a cup competition, and the 27th time overall. That record has us winning ten, losing ten and drawing seven, leaving us going there not only for a place in the fourth round for only the third time ever, but also possibly bragging rights over the Cherries.

staceywest.net

Blackburn Rovers Tap Into Free Agent Market, But Miss Out On Ayew

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly in talks with Japan international Ryōtarō Itō, although their pursuit of former Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew appears to have ended. Rovers have turned to the free-agent market after failing to complete all their desired business before the summer transfer window closed. Tony Mowbray is reportedly keen to add as many as three players to his squad, with attacking reinforcements among the club’s priorities.

staceywest.net

‘Got To Be Impressed’ – NTT20 Podcast Reflect On Lincoln City Championship Start

Lincoln City have received a seal of approval from the Not the Top 20 podcast after a solid start to the season. NTT20 is one of the best EFL podcasts out there, and this week, they were discussing both our game against Southampton and our general progress early in the season. George Elek, an Oxford fan who saw the challenges clubs of our size face first-hand, was complimentary of our performance against the Saints, despite drawing 1-1.

staceywest.net

Predicted Lincoln City Starting XI Against Bournemouth

It's almost impossible to predict a starting XI for Lincoln City and AFC Bournemouth. Bournemouth media tried to predict theirs yesterday, which I'm grateful for, so I think I'll try to do ours. Now, for Patreons, I did predict ours yesterday, before I went to the press conference, and while Tom Shaw gave very little away, I do think I may feel a tiny bit differently about the side he might put out.

staceywest.net

On This Day: Tragedy Strikes As Lincoln City and York City Abandoned

36 years ago today, York City’s Fourth Division fixture against Lincoln City was abandoned following the tragic death of David Longhurst. It was a day I remember so well. I was on the living room floor, with my Subbuteo all spread out, playing on my own. I had teletext on, the only way you ever really knew the scores back then, and it came up that Lincoln's trip to York City had been abandoned.

staceywest.net

Former Lincoln City Striker Joins Promoted Rebels

Former Lincoln City striker Charley Kendall has completed a move to Worthing, joining the National League side from Southend United for an undisclosed fee. Kendall, now 25, becomes the Reds' latest attacking addition after an 18-month spell at Roots Hall and will be hoping the move back to Sussex can bring the best out of a player whose strongest senior football has largely come outside the EFL.

staceywest.net

FA Cup Draw – Lincolnshire Clubs Learn Second Qualifying Round Fate

Lincolnshire could have four clubs involved in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup with Gainsborough Trinity and Spalding United definitely through and both Barton Town and Bourne Town still fighting for places in the competition. The most intriguing tie from a county perspective is number 19 in the draw. North Ferriby or Barton Town will host Bourne Town or Boldmere St Michaels, meaning there is the possibility of an all-Lincolnshire second qualifying round fixture.

staceywest.net

‘Not Here To Collect Postcards’ – Adam Reach Reflects On Lincoln City Rise

Adam Reach has admitted he would not have believed how quickly his decision to drop into League One would lead him back to the Championship with Lincoln City. The 33-year-old joined City in September 2025 following a short spell with Wycombe Wanderers, bringing considerable second-tier experience to the Imps after previously representing Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion.

staceywest.net

Tom Shaw Reveals Lincoln City Selection Headache Ahead of Premier League Test

Tom Shaw has admitted that improved Lincoln City squad availability has created a welcome selection headache ahead of their Carabao Cup trip to Bournemouth. The Imps travel to the Premier League side in the third round after overcoming Derby County and Blackpool in their opening two ties. City made wholesale changes for the 4-1 victory at Bloomfield Road, but Chris Cohen and Tom must now decide how heavily to rotate against stronger opposition.

staceywest.net

Lincoln City Summer Trialist Seals League One Switch

Former Lincoln City trialist Matt Smith has joined League One side Stevenage following his departure from Wigan Athletic. The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a contract of undisclosed length with Boro, ending a summer spent as a free agent. Stevenage have confirmed that Smith has become their latest addition, bringing considerable third-tier experience to the Lamex Stadium. Smith spent part of pre-season on trial with Lincoln City as the Imps assessed whether he could strengthen their midfield options for their return to the Championship.

staceywest.net

Adam Jackson’s Lincoln City Farewell And a Look At His Imps’ Career

Adam Jackson has issued an emotional farewell to Lincoln City after bringing his six-year stay at Sincil Bank to an end. The 32-year-old has left following the cancellation of his contract by mutual consent, allowing him to become a free agent and join another club outside the transfer window. His departure had been expected after sporting director Jez George confirmed he would not be included in our…

staceywest.net

Blackburn Rovers Closing In On World Cup Star

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly set to sign experienced Ghana international Jordan Ayew following his departure from Leicester City. The 34-year-old has been a free agent since his contract at the King Power Stadium expired during the summer, but he now appears poised to return to the Championship with Tony Mowbray’s side. According to reports, an agreement has been reached for Ayew to move to Ewood Park.

staceywest.net

SW Readers’ Lincoln City Man of the Match v Southampton: Andrei Coubiș

Andrei Coubiș has been named the Stacey West readers’ Man of the Match on his first Lincoln City start, in the 1-1 draw with Southampton at Sincil Bank. The Romanian defender was handed his first City start as part of a bold team selection, replacing Dom Jefferies at right wing-back. Any concerns about how quickly he might adapt to Championship football were soon swept aside as he delivered an energetic, aggressive performance on the right.

staceywest.net

Lincolnshire Non-League Round-Up: Cup Joy for Trinity but Late Heartbreak for Stamford

There was league and cup action for our non-league teams again this weekend, with mixed fortunes across the region, writes David Ward. Tamworth 2-2 Boston United Boston United earned a valuable point from a difficult trip to Tamworth after twice coming from behind. The hosts started strongly and created a couple of early opportunities, although Boston gradually grew into the contest.

staceywest.net

Why Lincoln City Should Embrace Their Growing ‘Anti-Football’ Reputation After Southampton Draw

There are plenty of ways to play football, but ultimately there is only one style that really matters to Lincoln City fans: successful football. I was out last night watching a band at Wroot, and I ended up talking football with a Barnsley supporter. The conversation inevitably drifted towards styles, philosophies and that wonderful phrase, ‘tippy-tappy football’, before he said there was really only one type of football he wanted to watch.

staceywest.net

“We’ve Got A Real Threat” – Tom Shaw On Lincoln City Record Signing

Mikkel Ladefoged announced himself at Sincil Bank with his first Lincoln City goal, and Tom Shaw believes there is plenty more to come from the Danish striker. The 22-year-old came off the bench during the 1-1 draw with Southampton and made a decisive impact late on, rising at the back post to head home Reeco Hackett’s cross in the 87th minute.

staceywest.net

Derby County Dip into Free Agent Market To Snare 23-Year-Old

Derby County have added Australian goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic to their squad following his departure from Premier League side Ipswich Town. The 23-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Pride Park after his short spell at Portman Road was brought to an end by mutual consent. Bilokapic joined Ipswich in February after leaving Peterborough United, but was not registered as part of their first-team squad.

staceywest.net

Police Investigate Incident Involving Cardiff City Defender

Hampshire Police have launched an investigation following an altercation involving Cardiff City defender Krystian Bielik and a teenage Portsmouth supporter during Saturday’s Championship match at Fratton Park. The incident occurred late in Portsmouth’s 2-0 victory as Bielik attempted to retrieve the ball from the crowd so Cardiff could take a throw-in. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show the Poland international grabbing a young supporter around the upper body.

staceywest.net

Tom Shaw Seeking Clarity After Lincoln City Touchline Booking

Lincoln City head coach Tom Shaw was left seeking clarity over the touchline rules after being booked during the 1-1 draw with Southampton at Sincil Bank. The Imps joint head coach was shown a yellow card by referee Andrew Kitchen early in the second half, with the reason not immediately obvious from the stands. Given the increasingly fractious nature of the game, and some frustration around a number of decisions, it initially appeared as though tempers may have boiled over in the technical area.

staceywest.net