When you think of English football’s top performers, Lincoln City might not be the first club that springs to mind.
But inside the LNER Stadium, something quietly impressive is happening—and midfielder Ethan Hamilton is right at the heart of it.
Now in his second season with the Imps, the former Manchester United prospect is finding his stride in League One as the club continues to punch above its weight in more ways than one.
A Club That’s Doing Football Their Own Way
Lincoln City isn’t just another name in League One. This is a club blending tradition with forward-thinking.
Whether it’s using artificial intelligence to break down set pieces, rewarding fans who reduce their carbon footprint, or proudly holding a title like “Director of Innovation and Growth,” Lincoln are doing things differently—and proudly so.
Their reputation as a springboard for young talent continues to grow.
Just ask Morgan Rogers, Brennan Johnson, or Harry Toffolo—names that have moved on to bigger stages after time with the Imps.
Fighting to Climb, Despite the Odds
After just missing out on the play-offs last season, there was real hope that 2024-25 might be their year.
But as Ethan Hamilton will tell you, making a mark in a division stacked with wealthy former Premier League clubs is no easy task.
“It’s been an OK campaign,” he admits. “We always aim for the play-offs, but right now we’re kind of stuck in the middle.”
With two games left and Lincoln sitting 11th—11 points off the top six—it’s now all about finishing strong and building momentum for next season.
Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Consistent
Hamilton’s season didn’t start as planned. A knee injury in early 2024 kept him sidelined for months, but he bounced back in October and has since made 37 appearances across all competitions.
The challenge? Consistency. Lincoln haven’t been able to string together a solid run—until Easter, when back-to-back wins over Reading and Bolton gave them their first successive victories since January.
The Mental Shift Lincoln Need to Compete at the Top
So what’s missing from Lincoln’s game that could help them break into the top six?
“Sometimes you just need a bit of luck,” says Hamilton.
“There are games we could’ve done better in, and the manager keeps reminding us to stay on the front foot and control matches for longer spells.”
Under head coach Michael Skubala—a former England futsal boss and Leeds United coach—Lincoln have shown glimpses of what they’re capable of.
But turning those flashes into a promotion run remains the next hurdle.
From Hutchison Vale to Old Trafford: Hamilton’s Path to Pro Football
Before he was pulling the strings in Lincoln’s midfield, Hamilton was a teenage hopeful from Scotland who caught Manchester United’s eye while playing at Hutchison Vale, the same grassroots club that produced Darren Fletcher.
Signed by United at 16, Hamilton was soon rubbing shoulders with stars like Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, and Marcus Rashford.
He even joined the first team for their 2018 U.S. tour and once replaced Pogba on the bench in an FA Cup tie after the Frenchman fell ill.
Learning from the Best at Manchester United
Looking back, Hamilton credits his development to some key figures at United—none more than Warren Joyce, the club’s hard-nosed youth coach known for drilling discipline and grit into his players.
“Kieran McKenna was great too,” he says. “But Joyce just gave you that edge—he taught you to run, tackle, work hard. That sticks with you for your whole career.”
Building Experience Across the EFL
After spells on loan at Rochdale, Southend, and Bolton, Hamilton made a permanent move to Peterborough in 2020, helping them win promotion to the Championship.
Two more years at Accrington Stanley followed before he found a home at Lincoln in 2023.
Now 26, he’s entering his peak years and feeling more settled than ever.
“I’ve loved it here,” he says. “The squad, the staff—it’s a tight-knit, well-run club.
We focus on the small things and take real pride in what we’re building.”
All Eyes on a Strong Finish and a Play-Off Push Next Season
Lincoln’s season wraps up with big games against Stockport and Wrexham—matches that could decide not just their fate, but shake up the entire promotion picture in League One.
“It’s a tough league,” Hamilton admits. “Every match is a challenge, but we’ve laid a foundation.
Now it’s about taking that next step.”
Easter Weekend: Who Soared and Who Slipped in the EFL?
As always, Easter delivered drama across the English Football League.
With just a few matches left, this weekend was make-or-break for many clubs chasing promotion—or desperately trying to avoid relegation.
Let’s break down the winners and losers.
Who Had a Cracking Easter?
Leeds and Burnley
Leeds United didn’t flinch under pressure, edging out Oxford before smashing Stoke 6–0 with a flurry of goals in the first half.
Burnley also did the job, grinding past Watford and then delivering a killer blow to Sheffield United, who now look play-off bound after a rough run.
Doncaster
Over in League Two, Doncaster stole the show. Back-to-back 3–0 wins over Tranmere and Colchester vaulted them from fourth to first.
They now need just three points from their final two games to seal promotion back to League One after a three-year absence.
Who Ended Up with Egg on Their Face?
West Brom
It was a weekend to forget for the Baggies. A lifeless performance at Coventry dashed their play-off hopes, and a home defeat to Derby piled on the misery.
After five defeats in six, manager Tony Mowbray got the axe after just three months in charge.
Cardiff
A draw against Oxford doesn’t sound terrible—but when your rivals are all winning and your goal difference is poor, it spells trouble.
After parting ways with Omer Riza, Cardiff handed the reins to Aaron Ramsey in a last-ditch bid to avoid the drop to League One.
EFL Fantasy Football Gets a Play-Off Twist
For fantasy football fans, the EFL is giving you one more shot to shine.
A new Fantasy EFL Play-Off edition is coming, covering 15 crucial matches across three intense gameweeks.
With 12 teams battling for promotion, expect twists, turns, and some serious bragging rights.
There are even prizes up for grabs—including official club merch and VIP match tickets for next season.
Want in? Head to fantasy.efl.com and get signed up.