In a delightful celebration of local pride, the Lincoln Imp, a 14th Century stone carving located in Lincoln Cathedral, has been dressed in a Lincoln City FC shirt. This special occasion marks the club's promotion to the Championship after clinching the League One title. The iconic red and white striped shirt was fitted to the Imp by Stuart Boyfield, the longest-serving member of staff at the cathedral, who has dedicated 48 years to the historic site. According to BBC Lincolnshire, Boyfield described the experience of climbing scaffolding to dress the Imp as "not an everyday thing."
Boyfield expressed his surprise that the cathedral authorities agreed to the gesture, saying, "So just to mark what they've achieved this season, it's absolutely amazing." The event was attended by players from the team, including defender Jack Moylan, who noted that it was his first time seeing the Imp, which is also featured on the club's badge. Moylan commented, "It's great. Great for the city, great for the club. It's who we are, it's who the city is and to finally actually see it... and it has a little Lincoln jersey on it now. I suppose it's one of us now as well, so we're all in it together."
Lincoln City secured their title with a solid 2-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers the previous week, an achievement that has brought immense joy to fans and residents alike. To celebrate this remarkable success, a victory parade is scheduled for 9 May, where the team and the trophy will make their way through the streets of Lincoln, allowing supporters to join in the festivities. This parade is expected to draw large crowds, as the community comes together to celebrate the team's accomplishments and the shared spirit of Lincoln.
As the city gears up for the parade, the sight of the Imp wearing the club's colours serves as a symbol of local unity and pride. It’s a reminder of how sports can bring a community together, creating moments that will be cherished for years to come. With the excitement surrounding Lincoln City FC's promotion, residents are invited to share their thoughts and experiences related to the club's journey this season and what this achievement means for Lincoln.
As the countdown to the parade begins, one can only wonder how the community will continue to celebrate this historic moment in Lincoln's sporting history.