How Michael Skubala turned Lincoln City into a model of efficiency without spending big

By Holly Wright

In an era where success in English football is often tied to financial muscle, Michael Skubala’s work at Lincoln City stands out as a reminder that smart coaching, structure, and identity can sometimes outweigh budgets.

While clubs such as Birmingham City and Wrexham have invested heavily in the pursuit of promotion and league dominance, Lincoln’s rise under Skubala has been built on something far less glamorous but far more sustainable: organisation, clarity, and an ability to maximise every player in the squad.

It is a model built on coaching detail rather than transfer headlines, and it has allowed Lincoln to remain competitive without needing to match the spending power of their rivals.

Here, Holly Wright explores the Imps’ surge towards the Championship.

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Building a system, not a star-driven project

Since taking charge in 2023, Skubala has prioritised structure over star names.

Lincoln’s tactical identity is consistent and clearly defined, typically operating in a 4-2-3-1 shape that blends aggressive pressing with quick, vertical transitions.

It often begins with Rob Street leading the press, supported closely by Reeco Hackett, Ben House and Jack Moylan, who work to force turnovers high up the pitch.

Rather than relying on expensive individuals, Lincoln functions as a collective unit.

Pressing triggers are carefully drilled, distances between lines are tightly controlled, and possession is used with purpose rather than simply for control.

There is a clear emphasis on winning the ball in advanced areas and turning defensive actions into attacking opportunities as quickly as possible.

This approach has allowed Lincoln to consistently compete with better-funded squads by removing unpredictability from their performance levels.

Even when facing stronger opposition on paper, their structure keeps them in games and often allows them to dictate key phases.

That consistency was underlined by a remarkable 29-game unbeaten run, stretching back to a 3–2 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on 22 November.

In doing so, Lincoln broke the previous League One record of 28 games set by Luton Town in 2018/19.

The run reflected a mentality built on resilience, with players consistently fighting for each other.

Set-pieces and marginal gains making the difference

One of the clearest examples of Lincoln’s efficiency is their set-piece output.

Under Skubala, they have become one of the most dangerous sides in the division from dead-ball situations, particularly long throw-ins.

Tom Hamer has been central to this approach. His ability to launch long throw-ins into the penalty area has turned routine situations into sustained pressure, especially in attacking areas where his deliveries are extremely difficult to defend.

From deeper positions, he also provides a valuable outlet to move the team up the pitch under pressure.

That focus on marginal gains reflects a wider club philosophy: finding competitive edges where others are not looking closely enough.

Set-piece routines are carefully planned, with structured movement designed to create space rather than rely on hopeful delivery.

Lincoln also place strong emphasis on transitions, recovery runs and rest defence structure. These details rarely draw attention externally, but internally they are central to consistency.

Outperforming bigger budgets

The contrast with clubs such as Birmingham and Wrexham is striking.

The Blues returned to the Championship after a dominant 2024/25 League One season, backed by a squad valued at around £51 million and major investment from Knighthead, led by Tom Wagner.

Their summer spending exceeded £25 million across 17 signings, including Emil Hansson, Ayumu Yokoyama, Alex Cochrane and Lyndon Dykes, while Jay Stansfield arrived in a record-breaking deal for the division.

Their squad depth reflects that investment, with approximately £19 million in defence, £17 million in attack and £13 million in midfield.

Commercial partnerships with Nike, Undefeated, Delta Airlines and Vertu have also strengthened their financial position.

Wrexham, meanwhile, represent one of football’s most dramatic financial rises.

Promoted to the Championship in the same season as Birmingham after finishing runners-up, their valuation could now reach £150 million according to Kieran Maguire – up from just £2 million in 2021.

Revenue reached £26.7 million in 2023/24, a 155% increase year-on-year, with wages at £11 million and losses reduced to £2.72 million.

Championship promotion now brings around £11 million in central payments, alongside rising commercial and matchday income.

Their squad is valued at around £14.5 million, reflecting a team still evolving through rapid progression.

Lincoln operate on a completely different scale.

They spent just £1.1 million on arrivals, with an average age of 22 and a combined incoming value of around £5 million.

Departures brought in approximately £1.9 million, leaving them with a positive transfer balance of about £820,000.

Rather than matching spending, they rely on structure, recruitment value, loans and development

A squad built on trust

One of Skubala’s key achievements is creating clarity within roles.

Rather than relying on individuals to decide games, each player is given a defined function within a structured system.

That clarity has created a “greater than the sum of its parts” effect.

George Wickens shared the League One Golden Glove with Filip Marshall of Stevenage after keeping 19 clean sheets, supported by a defence that conceded just 37 goals across the season.

Sonny Bradley was named Player of the Season for his leadership at the heart of the back line.

Conor McGrandles earned the Players’ Player of the Season award, reflecting his importance within the squad.

Goals and assists were spread throughout the team. Hackett and Moylan finished joint top scorers with 11 goals, Street added 10, while House and Freddie Draper scored seven each.

Contributions also came from Tendayi Darikwa, Ryan One, Adam Reach, James Collins, Bradley and Tom Bayliss.

Hackett led assists with seven, followed by McGrandles and Moylan on six, with Hamer adding five and multiple others contributing.

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