Pic: CameraSport – Chris Vaughan
DANNY and Nicky Cowley sat in front of Lincoln City supporters at their unveiling last May and promised to bring a winning culture and a lot of fun. They've certainly delivered on that.
Danny Cowley also spoke about targeting a top ten finish initially, then to be in and around the play-offs and, if all that went well, shoot for the title. Well, one out of three isn't bad.
To many who have come across the Cowley brothers during their time at Concord Rangers and Braintree Town, this championship won't be a huge surprise.
Their relentless dedication, work ethic and what they demand from their players has worked for them for years. Where some managers fail to maximise players, this duo squeezes out extra.
A patient approach to their summer business paid off big time. Alex Woodyard, who followed them north from Braintree, has been outstanding in the centre of the pitch.
The 23-year-old midfielder has probably broken the Imps' stat programme with the amount of work he gets through.
Another signing from the Iron, Sam Habergham, has shown his class at left-back and made a huge impact from set-pieces.
In Nathan Arnold they have someone who can win a game in a flash. Then, on the eve of the season, they signed Sean Raggett.
Cowley said he couldn't believe they'd manage to land the England C defender from Dover. He's been colossal in defence all season, has scored vital goals, and formed a strong partnership with skipper Luke Waterfall.
All season the bar has been high. Matt Rhead, Bradley Wood, Alan Power, Elliott Whitehouse, Terry Hawkridge – all reasons behind the consistency that has led them to the title.
But another weapon in their armoury has been the supporters. Having grown used to some dross, they've been swept along by a team they've fallen in love with again.
Their noisy support have had a blast all season. Non-League will miss them. It's been fun!
