O'Connor, McGrandles and Makama raring to go

Paudie O'Connor, Conor McGrandles and Jovon Makama posing for a picture at the Imps' 140th birthday.

Paudie O’Connor is excited ahead of City’s return to pre-season, with preparations for the 2024/25 campaign set to begin on Friday.

O’Connor is going into his third season at the LNER Stadium, with the central defender excited to get back onto the grass.

O’Connor said: “The first couple of days is about getting through it and then the body gets used to it. It’s always nice to get to see the boys again. 

“There’s definitely big excitement for the next couple of weeks.”

City open their 2024/25 Sky Bet League One campaign with a trip to the Pirelli Stadium to face Burton Albion. The Imps beat Burton last time out, thanks to a second-half strike from Reeco Hackett, and O’Connor is hoping for a similar result this year.

City’s captain added: “I’m excited to get going, when the fixtures come out it gives you a new sense of excitement. Burton will be a nice trip for the supporters, we took a lot there last season and got a good result, so fingers crossed we can do the same this year."

After re-signing for the club permanently in the summer, Conor McGrandles can’t wait to meet up with his teammates again.

McGrandles said: “It’s a great bunch of boys. Even after my injury they still included me so I’m really looking forward to meeting back up with them and getting going.

“The first game of the season is one that everyone gets really excited about, so I'm looking forward to getting pre-season started.”

After scoring his first league goal for the Imps and making 40 appearances in all competitions, Jovon Makama is hoping to kick on going into the 2024/25 campaign.

Makama said: “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s nice getting home and spending time with your family but you just can’t wait to get back out there on the pitch.

“All the lads will be raring to go, and be wanting three points to start the season well. Last season I got a good run out so I’m hoping this season will be the same - it’ll be good to get back out in front of the fans.”