Lincoln City managing director says reaching the Championship is a ‘realistic’ aim

LINCOLN CITY managing director Kevin Cooke expects the club to be fighting for a League Two play-off place next season – and says the Championship is a “realistic” long-term aim.

The Imps ended their five-year exile from the Football League last Saturday with their 2-1 win over Macclesfield Town at Sincil Bank.

Lincoln have enjoyed a fantastic season, securing the National League title as well as making it through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Last season’s champions Cheltenham look set to retain their League Two status and Grimsby Town will finish comfortably in mid-table but Cooke is confident the Imps can do better and fight for back-to-back promotions.

“I can’t speak for others but, me personally, I want to see us up there in the play-offs as a minimum,” Cooke told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

“We’ve certainly got the management team that are capable of doing that and I also believe that we’ve got players that are capable of doing that.

“As long as we can back them with what they need, in terms of resources – not just money – then why not?”

And in terms of their long-term aims, Cooke sees no reasons as to why the Imps can’t follow in the footsteps of Burton Albion and reach the second tier.

“I think it’s realistic [to reach the Championship],” Cooke added. “I don’t see why we can’t do that, as long as you put good foundations down.”