The Imps' journey to the Championship is a remarkable one, having won League One last season with over 100 points. Their recent history has been marked by a deep-rooted connection between supporters and team, which has helped fuel their progression. This connection is evident in the revamped Stacey West Stand, which bears the name of the two fans who died in the Bradford fire disaster of 1985.
The team's dedication to a traditional 4-4-2 formation has also been a key factor in their success. However, whether this formation will need adapting over the course of the season remains to be seen. The Imps have spent £10m over the summer modernising the ground with a new fan village, big screen and upgrades to the stands, which were all-but sold out for the match.
Despite the defeat, the mood among the fans was upbeat, with many staying behind in the new fan village to debrief the loss. The team's joint managers, Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw, acknowledged the step up in quality that the Championship presents, but expressed their hope for good results at Sincil Bank. The Imps will look to bounce back from their defeat in their next match, with a challenging fixture list ahead.
The next step for Lincoln City will be to assess their performance and make any necessary adjustments to their tactics and squad ahead of their next match.