Lincoln City 1897

Lincoln City – The Early Years

Football had taken root in Lincolnshire by the 1860s, when Lincoln FC—later known as Lindum—faced the likes of Sheffield FC, the oldest club in the world. In those formative days there were no standardised strips; Lincoln’s players distinguished themselves simply by wearing red caps and belts.

By the early 1880s, the game had grown into a popular spectator pursuit, fuelled by increased leisure time among working men. Lincoln’s leading sides, Lincoln Rovers and Lindum FC, briefly combined forces to attract stronger opposition, though both resisted any permanent union. That changed in the summer of 1884, when Lincoln City Football Club was formed at a public meeting following the collapse of Lincoln Rovers. Many of the Rovers players joined the new club, which adopted red and white shirts—though, as contemporary photographs show, players exercised considerable freedom in how those stripes were arranged.

A fierce local rivalry soon developed with Lindum, particularly after an unsuccessful attempt in 1885 to absorb the new club. Lincoln City ultimately prevailed, while Lindum declined, returning to amateur status before folding altogether in 1939.

The club became known as “The Imps,” a nickname drawn from the famous carved figure within Lincoln Cathedral—an enduring symbol of the city’s medieval heritage.

Initially playing at the John O’Gaunts Ground, provided by local brewer Robert Dawber, Lincoln made an immediate impression, recording a 9–1 victory over Sleaford in their first recorded match in October 1884. The club turned professional in 1891 and soon became part of the expanding structure of the English game, helping to form the Combination before progressing to the Midland League and then the Football Alliance.

In 1892, Lincoln City became founder members of the Football League Second Division. Their introduction to league football was mixed—defeat at Sheffield United in their first match was followed by victory in the return fixture—but it marked the beginning of a long and often precarious relationship with the League. Between 1893 and 1908, the club was forced to seek re-election on multiple occasions, reflecting both the competitive nature of the era and the financial challenges faced by smaller provincial clubs.

Following Dawber’s death in 1895, the club moved to Sincil Bank, a ground that would become synonymous with Lincoln City. Around this time, the club also briefly adopted “Lincoln green” shirts before returning to their traditional red and white.

Despite repeated setbacks—including loss of League status and narrow voting defeats—Lincoln demonstrated remarkable resilience. Each time they dropped out, they responded by winning their respective leagues and forcing their way back. Notably, they secured re-election after winning the Midland League in 1909 and again after capturing the Central League title in 1911.

By the outbreak of the First World War, Lincoln City had established themselves as a determined, if often embattled, Football League club—one shaped by persistence, civic pride, and a deep connection to the historic city they represented.

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