I wanted to speak to supporters as we reflect on an eventful weekend on and off the pitch.
Firstly, everybody connected with the football club is truly humbled by the backing and support from the vast majority of the 1,633 fans who travelled to Peterborough United on Saturday. After conversations with head coach Mark Kennedy and club captain Tom Hopper, I know that the team very much appreciate the support you give to them week in, week out. To have such vocal and unconditional support was a true reminder of what this football club is about and what we represent.
Elsewhere it was great to see Lincoln City Women open the season at the LNER Stadium, with more than 1,000 fans in attendance on Sunday for a cracking match against our promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers Belles. Everybody connected with Lincoln City knows the long and difficult history the women’s football team have had and getting to this point has been a real journey involving many contributors. Seeing a women’s team run out in the red and white stripes at the LNER Stadium was one of the proudest moments I’ve had as chief executive of this great club, and we look forward to continuing our work in this area, ensuring that there is a development pathway for boys and girls within the region as well as utilising our players as role models to raise aspiration and attainment generally within the next generation.
With this, we have to thank the countless people who, for many years, have driven this from being a start-up team at the then Nettleham Ladies to where the club are today. Without them all, this simply would not have been possible. Thank you.
Any commentary regarding this weekend must also reflect on the misogynistic abuse from a small number of our ‘fans’ aimed towards official Rebecca Welch, which somehow gained traction on social media and incomprehensibly gained supportive comments from other football ‘fans’. Not only do these comments by so few reflect poorly on our sport as a whole, and specifically our football club, it is also upsetting to hear and read about the severe impact this had on many of our fans. We risk years and years of hard work which has been undertaken by so many being undone in less than a blink of an eye.
With this, we will be launching a full investigation and, where evidence prevails, will not hesitate to take action against the perpetrators. Lincoln City is a club that prides itself on our inclusivity and our openness to welcome all.
To those of you who were impacted at the weekend, I wish to offer our apologies and reiterate our commitment to finding those responsible and taking suitable action. If you can help us with our investigation please email us at feedback@theredimps.com with details of your experience.
#ImpsAsOne
Liam
