Number two set promotion target

Former assistant manager Sam Wilkinson will be leading Lincoln United's push for promotion to the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's top flight next season.

Wilkinson was named as the club's new manager on Tuesday after the Whites moved quickly to name a successor to Dave Frecklington, pictured below, and gear up for another push for promotion.

Frecklington who stood down last week after three years at the helm and leading the club to the EVO-STIK NPL First Division South play-offs, was unveiled as Spalding United's new boss on Monday. In a statement confirming the appointment of his successor and former number two, officials said Wilkinson will be assisted by senior midfielder Chris Hall.

Wilkinson, 37, is a former Lincoln United and Grantham Town player while 33-year-old Hall numbers Burton Albion, Boston United, Gainsborough Trinity, Alfreton and North Ferriby United among his former clubs.

Wilkinson said: “To be asked to be the manager of Lincoln United is a fantastic opportunity and I am looking forward to getting the squad ready for next season when we push on again for promotion.

"I will be doing things my own way and setting my own stamp on the dressing room and on the field of play. I’ve spoken to the current squad and I’m confident most of them will be at Ashby Avenue next season to finish the job we started three years ago and win promotion.

"It will not be easy but we have a great team spirit and we’ll give it everything we can. Having Chris Hall as my assistant and as a player is a great asset and I’m looking to strengthen the management team even further in the coming weeks.”

United chairman Malcolm Cowling said: “Things happened very quickly since Dave Frecklington told us he no longer wanted to be the Whites’ manager but it was obvious that we didn’t need to go outside to find his replacement.

"This will be Sam and Chris’s first real management position but we have every confidence in them and we will give them all the support necessary. They have the backing of the current squad of players and I think most of them will be still with us when our season kicks off on 13 August."

He added: "We have the ambition and a solid financial platform to go one better than last season’s playoff position and we can’t wait until the season starts.”

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