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Lincoln Red Imps F.C.

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For the English football club, see Lincoln City F.C.

Lincoln Red Imps
Full nameLincoln Red Imps Football Club
Nickname(s)The Red Imps
Short nameLincoln
Founded1976; 48 years ago (1976) as Blue Batons
GroundVictoria Stadium
Capacity5,000
OwnerDylan Viagas
Head coachDavid Campaña
LeagueGibraltar Football League
2023–241st
Websitelincolnredimpsfc.co.uk

Lincoln Red Imps Football Club is a professional football club from Gibraltar.[1] They play in the Gibraltar Football League, and share Victoria Stadium with all other clubs in the territory.[2] They are the country's record champion with 27 league titles, including fourteen consecutive titles between 2003 and 2016, and in 2014 were the first team to represent Gibraltar in the UEFA Champions League's qualifying stage. In August 2021, Lincoln became the first club from Gibraltar to ever reach the group stages of a European club competition after defeating the Latvian champions Riga FC in the play-off round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The club has won 7 domestic trebles and 4 doubles in its history.[3] They hold the record for Europe's longest chronological unbeaten league run of 88 matches over 1,959 days from May 2009 to September 2014.[4]

History

[edit]

The football club was formed in 1976 by Elton Duarte in the quarry pitch. A group of players associated to the old Police youth team called the "Blue Batons" and complemented by players that had been released by Glacis United and St Jago's joined forces to form the first Lincoln team that played in the Gibraltar fourth division as a youth team. The team was named after Lincoln City FC, who are nicknamed the "Imps" after the legend of the Lincoln Imp. Lincoln Red Imps received their name after they were sponsored by Reg Brealey, the former Sheffield United chairman and Lincoln resident who is friends with Charles Polson.[5][6] [7]

When this Lincoln team became old enough to play Senior Football, it was decided to place the young team into the GFA second division. The team started to climb to the top in the second division in the season 1981–82 winning the league, the division cup and gaining promotion to the GFA's first division after only one season. The next year Lincoln finished in mid table in the first division. In 1983–84 Lincoln won the league and promotion to the Gibraltar Premier Division.[8]

In 1984–85 Lincoln played their first season in the Gibraltar Premier Division in which they were joint champions with Glacis United – the first of seven league titles which were won between 1984 and 1994.

Lincoln won 14 Gibraltar Premier Division titles in a row from 2003 to 2016, bettering the previous record of nine in a row held by Glacis United in the 1960s. They also won the national treble of League, Rock Cup and Senior Cup in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011.

2014

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In 2014, after Gibraltar had joined UEFA as the 54th member, Lincoln became the first Gibraltarian team to play in the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League. After claiming a 1–1 draw in the home match, they lost 5–2 at Faroese team HB and were eliminated in the first qualifying round.[9]

  • Lincoln Red Imps squad in May 2014
    Lincoln Red Imps squad in May 2014
  • UEFA President Michel Platini at the 2014 Rock Cup presentation
    UEFA President Michel Platini at the 2014 Rock Cup presentation
  • Lincoln Red Imps Captain lifting 2014 Rock Cup from Platini
    Lincoln Red Imps Captain lifting 2014 Rock Cup from Platini
  • Lincoln Red Imps players with 2014 silverware
    Lincoln Red Imps players with 2014 silverware
  • Joseph Chipolina holding plaque commemorating club's Rock Cup victory
    Joseph Chipolina holding plaque commemorating club's Rock Cup victory

2015

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Lincoln won both the 2015 Rock Cup with a 4–1 victory over Lynx F.C.[10] and the 2014–15 Gibraltar Premier Division championship by 16 points,[11] again playing in the qualification stages for the UEFA Champions League for with their second straight double.[12] In the First Qualifying Round Lincoln were drawn against FC Santa Coloma of Andorra.[13] After a scoreless draw in the first leg in Gibraltar,[14] the club earned a 2–1 victory at the Estadi Comunal d'Andorra la Vella to advance to the Second Qualifying Round with goals coming from Anthony Bardon and Lee Casciaro.[15] With the victory, Lincoln became the first club from Gibraltar to reach the second round of UEFA Champions League qualification, setting up an encounter with 2015 Danish champions FC Midtjylland,[16] which Lincoln Red Imps lost on aggregate 0–3.

2016

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In 2016 Lincoln pulled off a surprise victory against Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, with a 1–0 victory at home after a 48th-minute strike from Lee Casciaro in the club's second round match of the UEFA Champions League qualifying stage. The match was Brendan Rodgers first competitive fixture as manager of Celtic.[17] The Glasgow side still comfortably qualified with a 3–0 victory in the return leg at Celtic Park. It is still seen as one of Celtic's worst moments.

2021

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On 26 August 2021, Lincoln became the first team from Gibraltar to qualify for the group stage in a European Competition, as they defeated Riga FC by a score of 3–1 (4–2 aggregate) and advanced to the group stage of the 2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League.[18]

Seasons (since UEFA acceptance)

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Season Division League record Rock Cup Pepe Reyes
Cup 		Europe
P W D L GF GA Pts Pos Competition Result
2013–14 Premier 14 11 3 0 66 6 36 1st Winners Runners-up — —
2014–15 Premier 21 19 1 1 80 12 58 1st Winners Winners Champions League First qualifying round
2015–16 Premier 27 25 1 1 130 9 76 1st Winners Winners Champions League Second qualifying round
2016–17 Premier 27 23 3 1 100 16 72 2nd Runners-up Runners-up Champions League Second qualifying round
2017–18 Premier 27 21 2 4 71 19 65 1st Semi-finals Winners Europa League First qualifying round
2018–19 Premier 27 21 3 3 84 19 66 1st Second round Runners-up Champions League
Europa League 		Preliminary round
Second qualifying round
2019–20 National 17 13 0 4 68 15 39 3rd[a] Abandoned Runners-up Champions League
Europa League 		Preliminary round
Second qualifying round
2020–21 National 20 15 3 2 62 13 48 1st Winners — Europa League Second qualifying round
2021–22 National 20 19 1 0 65 17 58 1st Winners Runners-up Champions League
Europa League
Europa Conference League 		Second qualifying round
Third qualifying round
Group stage
2022–23 National 20 17 1 2 68 14 52 1st Runners-up Winners Champions League
Europa Conference League 		First qualifying round
Second qualifying round
2023–24 National 25 21 2 2 86 15 65 1st Winners Runners-up Champions League
Europa Conference League 		First qualifying round
Third qualifying round
  1. ^ The 2019–20 Gibraltar National League season, and the 2020 Rock Cup, were abandoned with results declared null and void and results expunged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stadium

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Victoria Stadium

Lincoln currently plays all league games at the 2,000-seat Victoria Stadium. The club share this ground with all clubs currently participating in the Gibraltar Premier Division, as well as the Gibraltar Women's Football League, of which Lincoln also runs a team.

Due to the ground's failure to meet guidelines in the 2017–18 season, Lincoln, along with Europa and St Joseph's, were forced to play their European competition matches at the Estadio Algarve in Portugal, while improvements were carried out on Victoria Stadium.

It is expected that the ground will be renovated and expanded to a football specific stadium with a capacity of 8,000 by 2021.[19]

Honours

[edit]
Lincoln Red Imps fans at the Victoria stadium in 2014.
1984–85, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
1985–86, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1992–93, 1993–94, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2021–22, 2023–24
2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022
1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1999–00, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2013–14

European record

[edit]
See also: Gibraltarian football clubs in European competitions

Lincoln's first qualifying round match of the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League marked the first match played by a Gibraltarian club in UEFA competition. After converting a penalty, a second half goal was conceded and the game ended in a draw.[24]

Overall

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As of match played 9 July 2024
Competition Pld W D L GF GA GD
UEFA Champions League 25 7 3 15 24 43 –19
UEFA Europa League 13 3 3 7 13 25 –12
UEFA Europa Conference League 13 1 2 10 8 28 –20
Overall 51 11 8 32 45 96 –51

Matches

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Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate Y/N
2014–15 UEFA Champions League 1Q Faroe Islands HB Tórshavn 1–1 2–5 3–6
2015–16 UEFA Champions League 1Q Andorra Santa Coloma 0–0 2–1 2–1
2Q Denmark Midtjylland 0–2 0–1 0–3
2016–17 UEFA Champions League 1Q Estonia Flora Tallinn 2–0 1–2 3–2
2Q Scotland Celtic 1–0 0–3 1–3
2017–18 UEFA Europa League 1Q Cyprus AEK Larnaca 1–1 0–5 1–6
2018–19 UEFA Champions League PR San Marino La Fiorita 2–0 —
Kosovo Drita 1–4 —
UEFA Europa League 2Q Wales The New Saints 1–1 1–2 2–3
2019–20 UEFA Champions League PR Kosovo Feronikeli 0–1 —
UEFA Europa League 2Q Armenia Ararat-Armenia 1–2 0–2 1–4
2020–21 UEFA Europa League PR Kosovo Prishtina 3–0
(awd.) 		— —
1Q Luxembourg Union Titus Pétange 2–0 — —
2Q Scotland Rangers 0–5 — —
2021–22 UEFA Champions League 1Q Luxembourg Fola Esch 5–0 2–2 7–2
2Q Romania CFR Cluj 1–2 0–2 1–4
UEFA Europa League 3Q Slovakia Slovan Bratislava 1–3 1–1 2–4
UEFA Europa Conference League PO Latvia Riga 3–1 (a.e.t.) 1–1 4–2
GS Denmark Copenhagen 0–4 1–3 4th place
Greece PAOK 0–2 0–2
Slovakia Slovan Bratislava 1–4 0–2
2022–23 UEFA Champions League 1Q North Macedonia Shkupi 2–0 0–3 2–3
UEFA Europa Conference League 2Q Kazakhstan Tobol 0–1 0–2 0−3
2023–24 UEFA Champions League 1Q Azerbaijan Qarabağ 1–2 0–4 1–6
UEFA Europa Conference League 2Q Bye — — —
3Q Kosovo Ballkani 1–3 0–2 1–5
2024–25 UEFA Champions League 1Q Malta Ħamrun Spartans 0–1 (a.e.t.) 1–0 1–1 (5–4 p)
2Q Azerbaijan Qarabağ 0–2 0–5 0–7
UEFA Europa League 3Q Belarus Dinamo Minsk 2–1 0–2 2–3
UEFA Conference League PO Northern Ireland Larne 2–1 1–3 3–4
Notes
  • PR: Preliminary round
  • 1Q: First qualifying round
  • 2Q: Second qualifying round
  • 3Q: Third qualifying round
  • PO: Play-off round
  • GS: Group stage

Current squad

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First team

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As of 30 October 2024[25]
No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Spain ESP Nauzet Santana
2 DF Spain ESP Jesús Toscano
3 DF Spain ESP Josema Gallego
4 MF Gibraltar GIB Nicholas Pozo
5 DF Ghana GHA Ibrahim Ayew
6 DF Gibraltar GIB Bernardo Lopes (captain)
7 FW Gibraltar GIB Lee Casciaro
8 MF Ghana GHA Mustapha Yahaya
9 FW Philippines PHI Kike Gómez
10 FW Gibraltar GIB Tjay De Barr
11 MF Gibraltar GIB Julian Valarino
13 GK Gibraltar GIB Jaylan Hankins
15 DF Spain ESP Rafa Muñoz
18 FW Spain ESP Toni García
19 MF Gibraltar GIB Shane Borda
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 DF Gibraltar GIB Ethan Britto
21 DF Spain ESP Nano
22 MF Gibraltar GIB Graeme Torrilla
23 MF Spain ESP Joe
24 DF Gibraltar GIB Jack Sergeant
25 GK Gibraltar GIB Ryan Smith
26 MF Gibraltar GIB Dan Bent
27 GK Spain ESP Vitolo
29 MF Gibraltar GIB Lee Chipolina
31 FW Gibraltar GIB Jonathan Sciortino
36 DF Gibraltar GIB Alex Collado
70 FW Spain ESP Víctor Villacañas
71 DF Gibraltar GIB Javan Peacock
77 FW Gibraltar GIB Anthony Avellano
— MF Senegal SEN Mamadou Danfa

Out on loan

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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
19 MF Gibraltar GIB Kyle Clinton (at College 1975)
28 DF Gibraltar GIB Ryan Azopardi (at College 1975)
No. Pos. Nation Player
69 DF Gibraltar GIB Julian Laguea (at College 1975)
— DF Gibraltar GIB Julian Britto (at College 1975)

Club staff

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[26]

Position Name
Head coach Spain David Campaña
Assistant coach Spain Juan José Bezares
Goalkeeper coach Spain Dani Lima
Strength & conditioning coach Gibraltar Liam Mesilio
U23 Head coach Gibraltar Ryan Casciaro
U23 Assistant coach Gibraltar Kyle Goldwin
Head physio Gibraltar Keith Ramirez
Team doctor Spain Francisco Moya
Kitman Spain Alberto Torremocha
Board
President Gibraltar Dylan Viagas
Director Gibraltar Christian Laguea
Director Gibraltar Elton Duarte
Sporting director Spain Juan José Gallardo
Secretary Gibraltar Michael Ruiz

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Brookfield, Saul (12 July 2016). "Lincoln Red Imps, the Gibraltar part-timers who embarrassed Celtic". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 28 March 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  2. ^ "Lincoln Red Imps". Uefa.com. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  3. ^ "OUR STORY SO FAR". lincolnredimpsfc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  4. ^ "Where did Liverpool's run rank with greats?". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 4 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  5. ^ "Red Imps invite Gibraltarian Red Imps to celebrate victory". BBC. 13 July 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  6. ^ "The story behind Gibraltarian football club Lincoln Red Imps". lincolnshirelive. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  7. ^ "Imps invite namesakes after Celtic win". BBC News. 13 July 2016. Archived from the original on 19 January 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
  8. ^ "Club history". lincolnredimps.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  9. ^ "Five-goal HB hold off Lincoln comeback". UEFA. 8 July 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  10. ^ "2015 Rock Cup Final Match Report". Gibraltar FA. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  11. ^ "201/15 Gibraltar Premier Division". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  12. ^ Gonzalez, Ryan (June 2015). "Gibraltar double for Rock Cup winners Lincoln". UEFA. Archived from the original on 29 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  13. ^ "Qualifying round draws start road to Milan". UEFA. 22 June 2015. Archived from the original on 7 November 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  14. ^ "Red Imps vs. FC Santa Coloma Match Report 1". UEFA. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  15. ^ "Lincoln Red Imps vs. FC Santa Coloma Match Report 2". UEFA. Archived from the original on 4 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  16. ^ "Lincoln Make History!". 5point4sports.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  17. ^ "Lincoln Red Imps 1 Celtic 0". BBC Sport. 12 July 2016. Archived from the original on 13 July 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  18. ^ "Lincoln Red Imps FC vs Riga FC – Europa Conference League stats, H2H, lineups". FotMob. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  19. ^ Events, UKi Media & (26 June 2018). "New Gibraltar national stadium plans revealed". Stadia Magazine. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  20. ^ "Gibraltar – List of Champions". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  21. ^ "Gibraltar – List of Cup Winners". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  22. ^ "PEPE REYES CUP". footballgibraltar. Archived from the original on 12 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  23. ^ "History – Senior Cup TITLES". Lincoln Red Imps FC. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  24. ^ "Hanssen leveller denies Lincoln dream start". uefa.com. 2 July 2014. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  25. ^ FIRST TEAM Archived 21 June 2019 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  26. ^ First Team Archived 13 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine Lincoln Red Imps FC.
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