Chairman - David Dent
Secretary - Martyn Tweddle
Treasurer - Diane Dent
Directors - Alan Boddy
Brian Burn
Carolyn Mulley
Paul Mulley
Norman Smith
Tony Bennett
Academy Director - Darren Tait President - John Atkinson
The Club is under the significant control and ownership of our Chairman, David Dent, and our Treasurer, Diane Dent.
Major Shareholders : Davd & Diane Dent 64% Barry Murphy 20%.
Private Limited Company Company No. 00103858
Afternoon everyone,
We welcome Lincoln United today who are on a great run of form despite a midweek defeat. I am sure we will make them feel welcome at Dean Street.
Despite there being no game, it has been a busy week at the club. We welcome Craig and David as Assistant Managers. I have known both for many years and they provide valuable support for myself and the players. We are fortunate to have them both with us as they have left managerial positions at Billingham Town. Thank you to Billingham for their support with the recent changes. We all wish them well and hope they secure their aim of promotion.
We welcome Ben Reay back to Shildon. He has gained experience in adult football and will return a more rounded player. Ben is a top player and within the right environment, will be someone who will create and score goals. I am sure the supporters will enjoy watching him play this season.
We wish Dean Thexton well at Bishop Auckland. I am sure the transfer surprised a few people this week but it was decided by all parties that this was the right move. I am sure Dean will go on to do very well this season for his new club.
We have had a good week on the training pitch and we hope to see some of what we have worked on out on the pitch today.
Enjoy the game and thank you for your support since I have taken on the position as manager
Chris,
1/ Who scored the only goal of the 2013 FA Cup final
2/ In which year were MK Dons founded
3/ Which club did Reece James join on loan in 2018
4/ In which year did West Ham leave Upton Park
5/ Which club was Edgar Davids at when he retired from football
6/ Which American club did Pele play for
7/ Who was the first Asian player to score 50 premier league goals
8/ Which player won the 2014 World Cup golden boot
9/ What is the capacity of Arsenals Emirates Stadium to the nearest thousand
10/ Who scored 2 goals in the 1998 World Cup final
FORMED in 1890 as Shildon Town, the Railwaymen joined the Auckland and District League two years later and in 1894 merged with the Rangers and Heroes to become Shildon United. In 1900, the club played in the new Northern League Division Two but folded that season due to financial problems – as did the Second Division.
A re-formed club joined the Northern League in 1903 to replace Stockton St John’s. In 1907, Shildon joined the semi-professional ranks of the North Eastern League, finishing second in season 1932/33.
Before WWII the club won four successive Northern League Division One titles; a record that stood until overhauled by Blyth in 1984. In 1937 the team was unbeaten on their march to the title with Jack Downing firing in a record 61 league and cup goals.
A replay win at York City in 1927/28 saw the club reach the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time. In the first round they have also played Brentford, Doncaster Rovers, Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic three times.The last time the club reached the first round was in 2003/04, losing out 7-2 against Notts County.The club also reached the second round, in 1936/37 against Dartford.
The Dean Street turnstiles and distinctive grandstand were erected in 1923.A £45,000 grant saw new dressing rooms and a social club built beneath the stand 60 years later.
Shildon won the Second Division championship in 2001/02, scoring 135 goals and finished runners-up in two cup competitions.The following season they won the Northern League Challenge Cup with a 3-2 golden goal victory over Billingham Synthonia at Feethams.
Tragedy struck the club in February 2004 when 26-year-old player, Lee Hainsworth was killed in a road accident on his way to training. He had been with the club for six years.The Brown Street stand was renamed in his memory.
Bill Aisbitt, a lifelong stalwart at the club, died in June 2003 and the boardroom was named in his honour after over 50 years loyal service.
At the end of the 2004 season, the Railwaymen came under serious threat through financial difficulties when the former chairman severed all ties with the club.At the end of the season all the players and the manager left the club, leaving it crippled.
But during the close season, the club appointed a new chairman, Brian Burn who ensured its survival.The club survived a relegation scare and since then has gone from strength to strength.
In 2012-13, the club reached two cup semi-finals.A depleted side lost in the Durham Challenge Cup to Spennymoor Town.The match brought an end to the playing career of midfielder Chris Hughes after he suffered a knee injury. And there was more heartbreak as the side narrowly missed a dream day out at Wembley after losing their two-legged FA Vase semi-final to a late extra-time goal in the second leg at home.
In season 2013-14, the management team further strengthened the playing squad, bring in several experienced players in a determination to bring silverware back to Dean Street for the first time.The investment paid off with the club narrowly missing out on the league title, remaining competitive until the final weeks of the season.
But the club were able to avenge the semi-final defeat of the previous season when they faced Spennymoor Town in the final of the Durham Challenge Cup. On an historic Good Friday, Shildon striker, Billy Greulich-Smith added a new chapter to the club’s history books with two late goals – the winner in added time at the end of the 90 minutes – to overcome their local rivals by two goals to one.After missing out on the Northern League Championship in the 201415 season by one point, the team re-grouped and won the Northern League Cup and became Champions of the Northern League the following season.
Following the sudden departure of the Management Team, Chairman David Dent appointed Daniel Moore in January 2017 and Moore guided us to 3rd position in the League and a Durham Challenge Cup Semi-Final.
The first piece of silverware came at the start of the 2018/19 season with a 41 Penalty victory against Dunston UTS. During this season Daniel Moore guided us to another top 6 finish and the season finished as it started with silverware coming back to Dean Street after the Club defeated South Shields 1-0 in the final of the Durham Challenge Cup held at the Stadium of Light.
For the 2021/22 season, and after 2,896 games in the Northern League, the Club has been promoted to Step 4 of the Football Pyramid (Northern Premier League – East), the highest level the Club has ever played at.I
n our inaugural season in the Northern Premier League East we finished the season in a creditable 5th Position. In the play off game we were narrowly beaten by Marske United. Further improvements have been going on through the summer with the community garden now finished and open as well as a new changing block to bring us up to league standard.
Jamie Tunstall and Deano Browne were also installed as the new management team.
v Stocksbridge Park Steels
Black History Month: The Orange Free State Football Team
Football is the biggest sport in the world, and is played across the globe, enjoyed by billions. This spread, in large part, is due to the influence of European empires, and in particular the British Empire, as it sought to exert its control over a third of the planet. But in many colonies, including African colonies, it’s earliest inception was intended as a whites-only game, usually played between colonisers rather than indigenous peoples. For the native populations, they often had to adopt the game outside of the organisational structures. Nowhere was that truer than in South Africa, where Cecil Rhodes presided over the all-white South African Football Association. Interesting, then, in 1899, the footballing authorities in that country took the decision to send an all black team to Europe. Just a few months before the start of the Second Boer War, the Orange Free State Football Team docked in Southampton.
Football in South Africa grew slowly and erratically, moving from a jumpers for goalposts style amateurism, through a comical and trivial form of entertainment before eventually ending at the kind of organised competition we understand in the late 1880s. By 1897, funded by diamond magnate Cecil Rhodes, Corinthians made their way to the country with the kind of punishing schedule that would make Jurgen Klopp faint; two months, 23 games, and a major boost for the popularity of football in the colony. Two years later, it was time to return the favour.
The British press welcomed the team, led by Joseph Twayi, with open arms, even if the welcome was tinged with racist undertones. The touring team was said to be fast, powerful and athletic, although the Manchester Times did admit their own ignorance over the specifics of the squad and its quality, while the Scottish Sport acknowledged that the players had only been playing for a few years, and lacked the tradition of the game already claimed at home. By contrast, the South African press was appalled. ‘The whole affair is farcical as it is unsportsmanlike,’ reported the Cape Argus, suggesting that “ every white man south of the Zambezi… will regret the whole proceedings” of a team of black players appearing to represent their nation. But the tour would not be stopped.
Sadly, this was to be no David versus Goliath tale, and the visiting side, quite apart from being exotic curiosities, were no real match for the more storied clubs they were up against. Thousands of people turned out to see
them, but it was reported that their interest turned to amusement and laughter at the Orange Free State side’s ineptitude. They lost 5-3 to Sunderland, 7-3 to Middlesbrough and 9-3 to Scarborough as the local press turned on them, referring to them as ‘alleged footballers’. The tour continued north into Scotland, where six more games were lost heavily, in front of large crowds. The Scottish Sport reported that ‘to treat the game between the Kaffirs and Hibs seriously would be one door off sacrilege’ and suggested that they visitors combine with the ‘lady footballers’ who had similarly struggled to gain recognition for their sport in the nineteenth century.
The inability of the Orange Free State team to compete provoked outrage at home, and local newspapers started receiving letters from angered white people in South Africa. One declared that the idea of black players playing against white players would never be considered there, and that the side in no way represented football in the country. Another, who wrote to the Sporting Times, actually used the phrase ‘equality is revolting’ while explaining that a black person is ‘not a human being’.
The criticism forced a response from the team, and Twayi told his story in the press. Having been prevented from partaking in the game as a younger man, he learned to play by watching others on dirt, when time away from his grocery would allow it. This was the story of most of the squad, amateurs doing their best, not even used to playing on grass, suddenly thrust into the spotlight in
unfamiliar surroundings, with thousands of opposition fans in attendance, on a surface most of them had never set foot on. The desire to play in the country came from their extreme loyalty to it, and when the Boer War broke out they were still in England, and came out on the side of the British. Regardless of the results, their tour broke new ground both for non-white football in this country, and for football in the colonies. If nothing else, that’s something to celebrate.
Enjoy the game.
Martyn Green The Untold Game
Find more at TheUntoldGame.co.uk or on social media, @TheUntoldGamem
By Matt Badcock
YOU NEVER forget your first time! Wembley had that same impact on me as it has, and does, for many others.
Mine was an FA Vase final between Guisley and Gresley Rovers in 1991. My main memories are being slightly late and running up the steps inside as the national anthems were playing! Mainly it was seeing that famous patch of grass – and how green it looked. It wasn’t an ordinary pitch. There was something about it. The goals were different too, the famous tunnel way behind the goal all capturing my imagination.
Of course, the game probably helped. A 4-4 thriller between the two sides – in those days the final went to a replay – but the six-year-old me was hooked in.
Over the years I was lucky enough to see many more FA Vase finals at the famous ground. Diss Town winning in 1994, Tiverton Town’s back-to-back success a few years later.
Since working at the paper I’ve only missed one – Newport Pagnell Town’s most recent win with a decent excuse of having a five-day old baby.
From the Northern League domination and the evolution to the fixture becoming part of Non-League Finals Day, the only real low point was watching Hebburn and Consett play their game out in front of an empty stadium because of Covid.
It was right, however, the players got their chance to play on that pristine surface.
For me, the FA Vase is a hidden gem in out footballing calendar. At the moment it’s early days, but as the rounds tick on over the coming weeks and months, the dreams and aspiration will begin to grow.
There’s a rawness about the competition. In the latter stages teams from the other end of the country are drawn against each other – modern technology means scouting has become easier and there are always contacts for managers to draw on for information. But quite often it is football in its purest form, two teams who know very little about each other trying to win a game of football on a given day and aiming to take another step on the road to Wembley.
The FA deserve credit for how Non-League Day already has that feel of an important date in the annual fixture list.
Attendances have been huge over the years – some big teams have made it there of course – and the next challenge will be to increase the neutral support on the day.
So why not this year? The FA Vase final is usually an action-packed spectacle. Even if you ’ re side aren’t in the competition, try and get along. Especially if you haven’t been before.
UNITED ARE BACK IN TOWN.
After the shenanigans of the last couple of weeks (of which more later), it is a pleasure to get back to playing football at Dean Street rather than playing politics with seaside folk. It is also a pleasure to offer a warm welcome to Lincoln United, Lindums second side, a bit behind City but well ahead of Moorlands.
We met them for the first time in October 2021, when a Michael Sweet goal clinched a win for us at their well-appointed Ashby Avenue ground and when they came to Dean Street, they went back down the A1 having lost 2-1 thanks to goals from Chay Liddle and sub Daniel Moore. The Shildon team that started the game that day contained ten players who are still with the club. The only one no longer donning a Shildon jersey is Shaun Newbrook and his replacement, the ever-improving Matthew Bateman, was on the bench.
United were formed just before the war as Lincoln Amateurs, but had to relinquish that title in 1951 when they paid former Forest full back Ray Bean, the princely sum of 5/(25p in “new” money) – enough to buy him and 5 of his United team mates a pint of Bateman’s Good Honest Ale. Times have changed.
Currently United are on a good run, having won 3 out of their last 5 games, two of which were against teams that we have failed to beat this month. They started with a 40 win at Tadcaster, followed it up with a good 3-1 win at Long Eaton and rounded it off with a 3-2 win over Stocksbridge Park Steels. Matthew Cotton scored in each of those games, making him the United player to watch.
They fell off the horse on Tuesday night in their Lincolnshire derby against Grimsby Borough, when the new boys won 2-0 at Ashby Avenue, but they have lifted the gloom that was hanging over the club for much of the season and they will be looking to build on their successes against relegation rivals today.
As for our club, these have been tumultuous times. The new manager, who was hailed in this column as having the potential to move us up the league, upped and went back to Marske United two days after he had seen us beat Ossett United thanks to that excellent team goal finished off by Joe Posthill.
His explanation seemed spurious at best and damaging at worst. “Something not right at the club” suggests that there is a culture problem in the dressing room, the boardroom or both and I would imagine that that would make it difficult to attract another manager. However, a few days after his about turn, the Marske United manager, Carl Jarrett resigned after a crushing home defeat to Gainsborough Trinity and Ian Clarke took possession of Jarrett’s seat, at least on a temporary basis.
Now, there may be a very good reason for Jarrett leaving. Marske left Division 1 (East) with high hopes of challenging at the top of the Premier Division, but that has not
worked out and they are not showing the form expected of them. They have brought in players from Darlington, Hartlepool and South Shields but have released two of their stalwarts in Glenn Butterworth and Curtis Round, both of who asked to leave. So maybe Mr Clark is discovering that something is not right at Marske. It certainly isn’t right on the field and their website is asking people to donate via the trusty bucket to help pay for the ground improvements that an ageing and inadequate Mount Pleasant clearly needs. I thought that the FA gave grants for necessary ground improvements. Maybe they have in this case.
Meanwhile, in the leagues to which we are desperate not to return to, local rivals Bishop Auckland have made a very strong start to the season after dodging relegation on a technicality last term. They have strengthened their team over the summer and look strong candidates for either automatic promotion or a play off place. The team who win the league go up, while the second placed team from the Northern League will enter a play off scenario with any of the NPL teams that finish in the bottom four. Last season Consett beat, and relegated, Histon who are based on the edge of Cambridge and who had played in what was then the Conference. Indeed, they beat Leeds United in a stirring FA Cup tie 15 years ago. It was a long journey for The Steelmen but I imagine the bus was rocking all the way back to The Grey Horse.
Bishop are being tracked by Whitley Bay, 5 points behind but two games in hand and then there are several clubs who have played less games but have considerably less points than the leaders. They include West Auckland and Newton Aycliffe, both of who are probably less enthusiastic about promotion than the top two who have both played at this level before.
And then there’s Ashington – 15 points behind the Heritage Park boys but with 6 games in hand due to a very impressive FA Cup run which unfortunately ended at Kings Lynn a couple of weeks ago. Should they go up, travel costs for teams in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire will increase dramatically.
In the Northern Counties East league, North Ferriby are in a similar position to our friends on the bypass, being 5 points ahead of Emley who have 1 game in hand. Again, there are several clubs trailing them including some we have visited in the past. Barton Town are third, Garforth Town are fourth and Handsworth, now back in Sheffield after a spell based in Worksop, are fifth. This looks a tighter league than the Northern League and it will be interesting to see who emerges as top dog from it.
For both involved today this is a game of some significance. Should we win, and depending on results elsewhere, we could clamber out of the bottom two. Defeat would be a major blow and with November fixtures against fellow stragglers in Long Eaton United, Grimsby Borough and Sheffield to come we need to build on the decent performances against Ossett United and Tadcaster Albion.
Wishing Chris Hughes every success I what is a crucial month for The Railwaymen.
Many Thanks to all our volunteers for all their invaluable help during the season.
General Manager - Michael Wilson
Gatemen - Peter Quinn
Andy Hilling
Maintenance - Daniel Tatham
Kieran Dent
Pitch Maintenance - Tom Finley
Event Co-Ordinator - Carolyn Mulley
Matchday Operative - David Race
Interviews - Wilf Tray / Chris Pearce
Programme Article - Peter Sixsmith
Kitchen/Bar Manager - Sue Charlton
Cleaning - Ellie Barron-Hay
50/50 Ticket Sales - Liam Stockley
Boardroom Hospitality - Sid Dent
PA Announcer - Dennis Duncan
Photography - Tom Clegg & Amanda Scaife
Lincoln United Football Club began life as Lincoln Amateurs in 1938, just one year before the outbreak of World War Two, and were admitted to the Lincoln League. By 1951 the club was in a more stable position financially, so much so, that they were able to sign Ray Bean from Football League side Nottingham Forest, offering him a wage of five shillings which was equivalent to twenty-five pence a week.
However, this action meant that Lincoln Amateurs were no longer amateurs so a name change was required. The obvious choice of Lincoln City had already been taken in 1882 so on a trip to play Sleaford the player's swapped ideas. It became a straight choice between Lincoln United or Lincoln Rangers; the vote went to Lincoln United.
Lincoln United were also readmitted to the Lincolnshire League as they could now afford to travel further a field to their away games. It was in the Lincolnshire League that they won their first honours of the Lincolnshire League Championship and Lincolnshire Senior "B" Cup in the 1963/4 season; effectively this was a league and cup double. Three years later, United had out grown the Lincolnshire League so they withdrew to join the Yorkshire League where better opposition awaited them. Once again United completed a league and cup double, this time in Yorkshire during the 1970/71 season.
A variety of leagues followed including being among the founder members of both the Northern Counties East League and the Central Midlands League.
During the 1987/88 season a strange decision was made by neighbours Lincoln City, they decided to give their striker Tony Simmons a free transfer. Possibly even more surprising was that the ex-Rotherham and Queens Park Rangers player Simmons joined Lincoln United.
Without a doubt this was the most important and influential signing ever made by United, as Simmons' goals were the catalyst for the success of the next seven years. The goals and class of Simmons helped the club to three promotions in four years though the team was nowhere near a one-man show.
The glory trail began in the 1990/91 campaign when the Central Midlands League's Wakefield Cup was added to the trophy cabinet. Next in was the Central Midlands Supreme Divisional Championship in 1991/2, it was also during this season that United reached the FA Cup First Round Proper but lost 0-7 away to Huddersfield Town; still, the players enjoyed the day and were featured on BBC's Match Of The Day programme. Promotion followed to the Northern Counties Eastern Division One where they won the title at their first attempt in 1992/3.
Within weeks of the 2002/03 season ending, Goddard quit. Coincidentally, a few days later, Grantham Town were also looking for a new manager following the resignation of John Wilkinson. As expected, in late May 2003, Wilkinson was appointed as Lincoln United's new manager, setting the target of a high final Division One placing as his goal, in a season when the whole non-league pyramid would be restructured.
Wilkinson set about rebuilding the side including the notable signings of Gary Bull and
Mark Hone as well as a number of former Grantham Town players, some of whom had played under Wilkinson in his first spell as United Manager.
The season went well, with United finishing fourth and collecting the Unibond Fair Play Award for the Division. As a result of their league position, United moved into the restructured Unibond Premier Division. It was United's highest finish since 1998.
Seasons 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 saw United struggle to consolidate their position in the Premier League and last season, only a victory on the final day of the season ensured their safety.
However, the season finished on a bright note when United beat Brigg Town to win the Lincolnshire FA Senior Shield.
Mid table finish and major change
Last season started brightly and the re-signing of goalkeeper Mario Ziccardi from Grantham Town was a major boost. However, despite a mid table finish, the season ended disappointingly with three successive defeats. John Wilkinson left the club by mutual agreement at the end of the season to re-join Grantham Town.
United quickly appointed former Hucknall Town Manager John Ramshaw to replace Wilkinson and he set about totally rebuilding the squad. One of his first appointments was to sign former United player Chris White as his assistant.
With the majority of last years side having followed John Wilkinson to Grantham, many of the new players came from outside the Lincoln area and included Ben Scott from Ilkeston and Justin Jenkins from Hednesford Town. In fact, of the previous seasons team only four players remained.
The season started well with an opening day victory over promotion favourites Witton Albion and impressive away wins followed at Prescott Cables,Ilkeston and Ashton.
However, by the beginning of October the club was in decline and saw the departure of a number of players including fans favourite Alex Rodman to neighbours Gainsborough Trinity. A run of only one win in eleven games saw the departure of John Ramshaw and his assistant Chris White was put in temporary charge. White was unable to arrest the decline and after taking just one point from a possible fifteen available, he was replaced by former Retford boss Mark Shaw.
He was given the task of rebuilding the team and there were a number of key departures from Ashby Avenue including Ben Scott to Hednesford. Amongst Shaw's first signings were former Scarborough keeper Leigh Walker, Nathan Swindells, Joel Burks and Scott Brough. Brough's previous clubs included Scunthorpe United where he played 57 games and scored 3 goals.
Despite Shaw's best efforts, he was unable to turn the situation around and the Whites suffered their first relegation since the 1978/79 season and were relegated to the Unibond Division One South, now known as the EVO-STIK NPL Division One South, where it has remained to this day.
Throughout its history, Lincoln United has been a major force in the city of Lincoln’s football scene, thanks to the efforts over the years of its officials, players, volunteers and supporters – too many to record in full. Some names do warrant a mention, however, like the legendary manager, Fred Green; former Secretary, Bryan Smith; former chairmen, Keith Roe and Robin Taylor; current President and long-time benefactor, Maurice Bull; and managers, Allen Crombie, Gary Goddard, John Wilkinson and Terry Fleming. Key players in recent years include Tony Simmons, Rick Ranshaw, Terry Fleming, Gary Crosby, Steve Carter and record appearance-maker, Brendan McDaid.
At the end of the season Mark Shaw was dismissed by the club and reserve team manager, Seamus Lawless was appointed in his place.
A new Committee was formed in 2010-11 led by Malc Cowling with three main objectives: Gain Promotion; Improve the Club’s Facilities; and Strengthen its Links with the Community.
Seamus was keen to refocus the club with the acquisition of more locally based players and some of the first signings saw the return of familiar faces to Ashby Avenue including Mario Ziccardi, Brendan McDaid, Sam Wilkinson and Ian Wilkins. From the previous seasons campaign only long serving Gary Walters, Gio Carchedi and Tom Mallinson remained.
Work issues saw Lawless step down the following season and between him, his assistant Chris Moyses and Baz Barker they oversaw the best FA Cup run since 1997 but it took ten games to get a league win. The Cup run ended in the 4th Round of Qualifying at home to Cambridge United. Within days Lawless had sadly had to quit, Chairman Chris Geeson appointed from within and turned to John Wilkinson with one instruction, "Keep the club in the Northern Premier League."
That was achieved and the club will need Wilkinson's experience to see it through a difficult period in it's history.
Following John Wilkinson resignation, ex Lincoln City player Terry Fleming was appointed manager and stayed until early April 2013.
Whites players Stuart Reddington and Brendan McDaid then saw us through the last few games of the season after Terry resigned.
Improvements off the field were not mirrored on it and after a disappointing first two seasons, which saw the Club flirting dangerously close with relegation, United changed its management team and appointed new Manager, Dave Frecklington, and Assistant Manager, Sam Wilkinson in 2013-14.
2013/14 season Dave Frecklington was at the reins culminating in a playoff place in 2016 losing 3 - 2 at Shaw Lane Aquaforce.
‘Freck’ went on to take the Club to 9th in his second season and, for the first time in the Club’s history, into the Play-Offs in his third and last season.
Dave resigned in the close season of 2016 and his assistant manager Sam Wilkinson was appointed manager. Also, Ian Beaumont was appointed chairman to move the club forward.
For the 2016-17 season, United saw Sam Wilkinson as its new Manager with Chris Hall and Stuart Reddington as Assistant Manager and First Team Coach, respectively. The new Management Team, and what is largely the squad of last season’s players, have already brought success to the Club with a place in the Lincolnshire FA Senior Cup Final, having knocked out teams from higher Leagues in the quarter and semi-finals. That success was rewarded with a first ever Lincolnshire Senior Cup win when we beat Stamford in the final.
The club also won the divisional Fair Play award and the Management team recorded the best behaved bench marks and still we remained competitive right to the end of a busy season.
Added to that Trophy win was a superb run in the Emirates FA Cup followed by a similar run in the Buildbase FA Trophy. Those two meant we got behind in our fixtures but a great run after Christmas took us onto the fringes of the play-offs but not quite close enough. An exciting season nonetheless and we will be looking to improve on that in what will be even more competitive this season.
In 2017, Ex Lincoln City chairman Rob Bradley was appointed Chairman of the club.
During Sam Wilkinson's tenure we won The Lincolnshire Senior Cup for the first-time beating Stamford 3 - 2 in the final on their ground after beating Gainsborough Trinity 2 - 1 and Lincoln City 1st team 2 - 0 on our patch in front of 815 spectators. Sam resigned in February 2019
Current Whites players, Sean Wright and Michael Jacklin took over the reigns till the end of the season.
In March 2019, the experienced Steve Housham was appointed manager to start from the 2019/20 season. Also, Lincoln City Ladies team announced that they were reforming and playing from Ashby Avenue, the home of Lincoln United, for the 2019/20 season.
After a hard start for the whites in the 2019/20 season, Steve and his team found if hard getting the same team out each week, but had some great results at home and away against much better teams in the league, but found the going hard to take and eventually resigned in February 2020.
The board moved quickly to appoint previous manager Sam Wilkinson back in as temporary manager who took control of one game before Covid 19 came in.
In the summer of 2020 a new committee was formed with new chairman Lee Griffin appointed. Sam Wilkinson was appointed as permanent manager to over see the new season.
The future now looks very bright for the Whites.
Management Team
Chris Funnell (Manager) – Chris has done it all at Lincoln United, despite only being 32 - played, was on the board, and managed the Women’s First Team. After managing ‘The Whites’ to NPL safety on an interim basis at the back end of the 2021-22 season, Funnell was offered the Men’s First Team role for the forthcoming 2022-23 season.
Matt O’Halloran (Assistant Manager) – Another former ‘Whites’ player, having played for the great John Wilkinson in the last 2000s. Matt was also a professional footballer that played for Derby County, Chesterfield and Boston United. More recently Matt was the U18s coach at the club, supporting United’s young starlets to win a treble.
Martin Burnett (Coach) – Martin has been part of Lincoln United in many different forms for 30+ years. Martin re-joins the men’s 1st team coaching staff in-line with Sam’s return as the men’s 1st team manager. Martin was an integral part of the 2020-21 U17s coaching staff which saw the team win the league and cup double.
James Morgan (GK Coach) – A great member of the coaching team who joined the club upon Sam Wilkinson’s official appointment prior to the 2020-21 season. Under Morgs’ stewardship, ‘The Whites’ saw former #1, Mikey Antkowiak, transferred to Poland to play professional football.
Tom Phillips (Sports Therapist) – Tom joined the club prior to the 2020-21 season. A fully qualified BSc Sports Therapist with additional qualification; FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid and Trauma Management within sport.
Jack Johnson (Assistant Kitman) – Jack has been with the club for many years now and is ever present at training and matches, giving the players and management vital support with ensuring all kit and equipment needs are met
Squad
Nykah Liburd-Hines (GK) – After trialling and performing well in pre-season, the ex-Nottingham Forest shot-stopper agreed to sign for ‘The Whites’.
Jack Steggles (GK) – ‘Steggs’ joined the club in January 2021 after spells at Carlton Town and Radford FC. The shot-stopper made a lasting impression with a MoTM performance in his debut against Bridlington Town; ‘Steggs’ was pivotal in United’s great escape last season.
Josh Wilson (GK) – Coming through the youth section at the club, Josh, has been ever-present at United. Still only 20 and with a bright future, Josh made his debut away at Sheffield FC last season.
AJ Adelekan (Def) - Former Grantham Town, Alfreton Town and Stamford defender, AJ, signed for 'The Whites' this summer. AJ's versatility as a centreback or left-back adds depth and quality to United's backline moving into the 2022-23 season. An exciting signing for United who will no doubt be a great addition to the squad.
Harrison Ainslie (Def) – Last season’s U18s captain, lifting three trophies with Assistant Manager, Matt O’Halloran. Ex-Lincoln City youngster, Ainslie, can play at right-back or centre-back and having impressed during pre-season, we’re looking forward to seeing Harrison develop throughout this coming season.
Jack Arbon (Def) – A young 18 year old who joined the club in the summer before the ‘21-22 season, straight from Collingham U18s. Jack had a great start to the last campaign, playing regularly, although an ankle injury brought the season to a close early. We look forward to watching Jack play and develop throughout this coming season.
Max Baker (Def) – A product of our youth system, started the season as a fullback but a broken metatarsal meant that Max missed a large proportion of the campaign. After returning from injury, Max played a pivotal role on the left wing, securing United’s NPL safety, scoring three goals in three games, within the last four games of the season.
Simon Biggs (Def) – ‘Biggsy’ joined the club when Sam Wilkinson was announced, following Wilkinson from Hykeham Town. Able to play centrally or as a right-back, ‘Biggsy’ unfortunately suffered a snapped achilles, making a recovery towards the back end of the last campaign. We hope to see the best of Simon moving into the ‘22-23 campaign.
Callum Foster (Def) – Originally a product of the club’s youth system, ‘Fozzy’ returned to the club in the summer of 2020 after a brief, yet successful spell at Winterton Rangers. A storming start to the 2020-21 season saw ‘Fozzy’ become a ‘must-have’ on the pitch and as such is now United’s vice-captain. Although a stop-start campaign through injury last season saw the centre-back frustrated, his performances towards the end of the campaign were essential to United avoiding relegation.
Louie Jarvis (Def) – After progressing through the development team into the first team last season, Jarvis played several different positions, due to his versatility. Louie’s stint at right back saw him settle into United’s starting eleven, again, playing a key role in United’s bid for survival.
Kallum Smith (Def) – United’s most experienced player with over 400+ appearances, as well as having spells at both Grantham Town and Boston United. A versatile player who started as a winger but through his ability to make the right decisions and his quality of passing has found himself as a fullback. Kallum’s will-to-win, work ethic and all-around quality make him a key player on and off the pitch.
Callum Chapman (Mid) – ‘Chappy’ similarly, to ‘Fozzy’ originally started with United’s development team but after a successful spell away at Winterton Rangers, returned to the club last summer. A successful start under Sam Wilkinson was cut short by a knee injury, which has seen ‘Chappy’ undergo surgery, we hope to see him back on the pitch at some point this season.
Shane Clarke (Mid) – United’s marquee signing for the ‘22-23 campaign. Exprofessional footballer, Clarke, has played at Lincoln City, Gateshead, Gainsborough Trinity, Boston United, Tamworth, Worksop Town and Grantham Town. The experienced central midfield will bring some vital experience and undoubted quality to ‘The Whites’ midfield.
Sidnei Costa (Mid) – Originally signing for United when Wilkinson moved from Hykeham Town. The Portuguese midfielder left the club for Newark Town last summer however, upon Funnell’s appointment, Costa returned to the club and was a huge reason for United staying in the NPL.
Matt Cotton (Mid) – Returned to the club, aligned with Wilkinson’s return, prior to ‘21-22 campaign. ‘Cotts’ has fantastic ability on the ball, which is equally matched by his work rate off it. Last season’s top-scorer and the league’s third top-scorer with 21 goals, United’s captain, can unlock defences and raise standards through his own performances, making him a key player for ‘The Whites’
Tobias Liversidge (Mid) – An ex-Lincoln City YT, ‘Tobes’ joined the club last season, making the most appearances of any player in the squad. Playing mainly in central midfield, Toby, arguably saw his best performances when playing out wide. Similarly to others, the young attacking midfielder played a key role in the survival of ‘The Whites’, scoring an important goal in the home win over Yorkshire Amateur.
Harry Millard (Mid) – Harry has been at the club for some time now and is probably well known to NPL opponents and referees. Millard left for Sleaford Town in November but returned when Funnell was appointed, the dynamic CDM was huge for United in the final weeks of the ‘21-22 season. Not afraid to ‘mix-
it’ and has great quality in supporting United to get on the attack. A great character on and off the pitch and is pivotal to this young ‘Whites’ side.
Leo Priestley (Mid) – Leo played for the club’s development team last season, winning the team’s ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ award. The young central midfielder has been extremely impressive throughout pre-season and will undoubtedly play a big part in ‘The Whites’ campaign.
Jack Wightwick (Mid) – Jack returned to the club during October last season after a short spell away at Skegness Town. The tricky wide player can open defences with his crossing and dribbling abilities. The last campaign was hampered with hamstring injuries but Wightwick’s appearance in the final game of the season saw an assist and goal, enough to give ‘The Whites’ a 3-1 win over Pickering Town.
George Zuerner (Mid) – Zuerner originally returned to the club as a playercoach under Sam Wilkinson. Upon Funnell being appointed, Zuerner wanted to concentrate on playing; the experienced centre-midfield can also play in other positions and brings and will be an important asset to United’s young side.
Rory Atkinson (Att) – Rory, similarly to others has been at the club, and has developed through United’s youth system. Unfortunately, a ruptured ACL put a price to the young striker playing any football in the last 18 months. Quick, robust and keen to impress, Atkinson, will certainly be an asset to ‘The Whites’ for the forthcoming season.
Andy Janssen (Att) – Another product of United’s youth section. A tall, young striker who has the potential to do it all. Last season was ‘Janny’s’ inaugural season within the first team and he contributed significantly with seven league goals.
Jake Park (Att) – Similarly to ‘Biggsy’, Jake signed for United upon Sam’s appointment, following him from Hykeham Town. Last season, Park, finished as the team’s second top scorer with eight league goals. United’s target-man is more than goals, his hold-up play and ability to bring players into play is essential. A fantastic end to the ‘21-22 campaign has seen that carried on during pre-season, we’re convinced an exciting campaign ahead for United’s #9 awaits.
Josh Parker (Att) – Last season’s U18s top-scorer and a significant contributor to the club’s development team, the young attacker has the ability to contribute goals and assists this season. Josh can play off the left or as a central striker, we’re looking forward to seeing him develop and move forward this season.
Many Thanks to Prince Bishops Hospital Radio and Dennis Duncan for the Pre-Match & Half Time Announcements
Matty Bateman (GK)
Billy Greulich-Smith
Aidan Heywood
Ben Trotter
Jack Vaulks
Kurt Matthews
Chay Liddle
Joe Posthill
Michael Sweet
Alex White
David Atkinson
Jon Weirs
Wilson Kneeshaw
Max Booth
Vinnie Steels
James Boucher
Lucas Hallimond
Kory Whitfield
Karl Dinsdale
Luca Sartini
Ben Reay
Referee
Daniel Ranson Assistants
Thomas Lishman
Matthew Harris
Nykah Liburd-Hines (GK)
Jack Steggles (GK)
Josh Wilson (GK)
AJ Adelekan
Harrison Ainslie
Jack Arbon
Max Baker
Simon Biggs
Callum Foster
Louie Jarvis
Kallum Smith
Callum Chapman
Shane Clarke
Sidnei Costa
Matt Cotton
Tobias Liversidge
Harry Millard
Leo Priestley
Jack Wightwick
George Zuerner
Rory Atkinson
Andy Janssen
Jake Park
Josh Parker