Michael Appleton is proud of the progression the Imps have made on and off the pitch during his tenure - as he approaches his 100th game in the dugout for the club this weekend.
Saturday’s game is his 101st match in charge, but having missed the trip to AFC Wimbledon last season due to covid this will be the match where he brings up his century.
He said: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind to a degree, a lot has happened in that time and last season was different to anything we’ve ever experienced before.
“I’m delighted with the way we’ve progressed as a club, if Lincoln City is mentioned around the country i’d like to think it’s as a young team who play good, progressive football and with a good model as a club.”
Last season ended with a trip to the League One play-off final, and Appleton believes the club’s structure gives it a chance of competing with some of the division’s high spenders.
He added: “I’ve got a genuine belief in what we do and how we do it, and there’s a togetherness in how we operate, but the league itself now is three or four times stronger than it’s ever been.
“I’m happy with the way we’ve progressed over the past two years or so, I want to be able to make sure we’re as competitive as we can be this year and when I look back over the next 100 games hopefully there are a few more good memories.”