"You expect" - Revealed: Whether Lee Hendrie thinks Lincoln City have disappointed this season | OneFootball

The Imps have failed to emulate their 23/24 success

With just games left to play, Lincoln City’s 2024/25 campaign looks set to conclude in familiar territory - neither in serious danger of relegation nor realistically threatening the automatic promotion places.

The Imps have hovered just outside the play-offs for much of the season, part of a chasing pack that never quite closed the gap.

Injuries have played a significant role in halting any sustained momentum, and while head coach Michael Skubala impressed last year with a 47% win rate and an average of 1.7 points per game, he's found it harder to hit similar heights in his first full season at the helm.

Lincoln City’s 2024/25 season reviewed: Lee Hendrie shares his verdict

Football League World spoke exclusively with EFL pundit Lee Hendrie on the Imps’ 24/25 campaign, and whether or not their failure to mount a promotion push was a disappointment.

“I think Lincoln this season, again obviously you look at what they did last season, I think they finished seventh in the league, and I think you just expect them to have that little bit more, and to maybe have achieved a little bit more this season.” Hendrie told FLW.

“But on the whole I think the league's been tough - the teams that are in the thick of a play-off push and promotion are certainly the teams you would have expected, with maybe a little bit more of a higher budget, and probably a little bit more to go at.

“So, I'm not surprised - but on the same flipside of that, I thought they might have had a bit of a push this season.

“They're not far off a play-off spot, and they’re finishing the season relatively strong - but I think the league was quite strong for them going into that play-off spot.”

Lincoln City have fallen short amidst stronger competition in League One

While Lincoln City’s 2024/25 campaign may not be remembered for drama or distinction, the Imps have managed to remain competitive without ever quite threatening to break into the top six: something that speaks as much to the quality of their squad as it does to the fierce standard of League One this season.

Indeed, the context surrounding this year’s promotion race is crucial in evaluating Lincoln’s position.

Birmingham City, underpinned by significant financial investment, have set a relentless pace in pursuit of an immediate return to the Championship.

Meanwhile, the momentum behind back-to-back promotion pushes from Wrexham and Stockport County has reshaped expectations in the league, proving that ambition paired with resources can quickly disrupt the established order.

Additionally, the emergence of surprise contenders has added another layer of difficulty for clubs like the Imps, operating within more modest means.

While Skubala has not replicated last season’s statistical success, he has overseen a Lincoln side that remain tactically disciplined, defensively solid, and capable of troubling most opponents in the division.