Conor McGrandles has committed his future to City by signing a new contract which runs until the summer of 2028, plus a club option for a further 12 months.
The midfielder enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, playing a key role as the Imps lifted the Sky Bet League One title, and says extending his stay was an easy decision after another memorable season in red and white.
McGrandles said: “It feels amazing. To get this done on the back of last season and how well everything went is really good, and I’m looking forward to the times ahead.
“It was a great season for me personally, but it was for the whole team and for the club. A lot of that comes down to the environment the club has created, the staff have created, and the players have created. When you’re playing alongside the quality of players we’ve got, it makes your job a lot easier.”
Now preparing for life in the Sky Bet Championship, the 30-year-old is relishing the challenge ahead and believes the squad can continue to exceed expectations.
He said: “We understand how difficult parts of this season are going to be, so we’re not naive. But we’re all excited about the challenge.
“If we approach the season with the same mindset and attitude we had last year, I think we can surprise a few people. Looking at where the club is now and the players we’ve already got in the squad, I’m really confident we can do something good this season.”
McGrandles has seen significant change during his time with the Imps and believes the club’s continued investment is helping create an environment for success.
He said: “There’s been so much change. The Gen2 Energy Elite Performance Centre has been developed and is continuing to improve, even though it was already at a great standard. The ProAmpac Stadium is being developed as well, which is brilliant because you saw how important our home support was last season.
“The whole infrastructure of the club has gone up another level since I first came here. It’s been amazing to be part of that and see it happen.
“When you know the club is supporting the head coaches and the staff, it gives everyone confidence. Then you see how they work with every single player and it’s fantastic. This club is really special to me because I’ve been here for so long and it’s been amazing to see how much it’s grown since I first arrived.”
McGrandles also paid tribute to the supporters after their role in last season’s title-winning campaign and believes they will once again be vital in the Championship.
He added: “They’ll be so important. They probably don’t realise just how big a part they play. There were games last season where we were struggling and they really were the 12th man.
“I don’t think there was another stadium I played at last season that created the atmosphere and helped drive the home team over the line the way our fans did.”
Sporting director Jez George added: “There is not much to say about Conor because his performances do the talking for him. In his interview, he speaks about the club going up a level since he first arrived but the same is true of him, especially last season. I don't think there was a better midfield player in League One, and certainly not one that we would have swapped for Conor.
“His character also sums up our club: he is understated, selfless with a relentless work ethic and mentality. Conor is highly rated by everyone at Lincoln City: supporters, staff and players. We all know how good he is, value him highly and we are delighted that Conor has signed this new contract so that we can look forward to achieving even more together.”