Sam Wilkinson steps up to take charge at Lincoln United

SAM WILKINSON has stepped up to take over as Lincoln United manager after Dave Frecklington’s departure last week.

Frecklington decided to walk away from the club just weeks after guiding them to fifth in the Evo-Stik NPL Division One North before losing to Shaw Lane Aquaforce in the play-offs.

The Whites’ board didn’t take long to announce that his assistant Wilkinson has been handed the reins for next season as United target promotion.

The 37-year-old started his playing career at Lincoln and scored 67 goals in just over 200 appearances after moving from midfield to play up front.

Current United midfielder Sam Hall, 33, will serve as Wilkinson’s assistant as the pair look to continue Frecklington’s good work.

“To be asked to be the manager of Lincoln United is a fantastic opportunity”, said Wilkinson. “I am looking forward to getting the squad ready for next season when we push on again for promotion.

“I will be doing things my own way and setting my own stamp on the dressing room and on the field of play. I’ve spoken to the current squad and I’m confident most of them will be at Ashby Avenue next season to finish the job we started three years ago and win promotion.

“It will not be easy but we have a great team spirit and we’ll give it everything we can. Having Chris Hall as my assistant and as a player is a great asset and I’m looking to strengthen the management team even further in the coming weeks.”

Chairman Malcolm Cowling added: “Things happened very quickly since Dave Frecklington told us he no longer wanted to be the Whites’ manager but it was obvious that we didn’t need to go outside to find his replacement.

“This will be Sam and Chris’ first real management position but we have every confidence in them and we will give them all the support necessary.

“We have the ambition and a solid financial platform to go one better than last season’s play-off position and we can’t wait until the season starts.”