Danny Cowley guided Lincoln City to two promotions, with his fresh additions crucial to their success.
Danny Cowley led Lincoln City to unprecedented success, winning promotion back to the Football League and an incredible FA Cup run.
The manager’s first five acquisitions, which included Alex Woodyard and Sam Habergham, were important to the team’s success.
Many of these players have gone on to play non-league football for clubs such as York City, Hayes & Yeading, and Woking.
Danny Cowley created history as he led Lincoln City back to the Football League in 2017.
The former Concord Rangers and Braintree Town manager joined Sincil Bank the previous year and soon imprinted his dominance on his new team.
The Imps ended top of the fifth division with a 99-point haul, beating out pursuing Tranmere Rovers. They won 30 of their 46 league games, with only seven defeats.
It was a momentous season for more than one reason, with a fantastic FA Cup run putting Lincoln in the spotlight on many occasions.
The Imps defeated Championship opponents Ipswich Town and Brighton before defeating top-flight rivals Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor to become the first non-league side to reach the competition’s quarter-finals since 1914.
Following his side’s re-promotion to the fourth division, he guided them to promotion again two seasons later, earning the League Two title after gaining a play-off spot in their inaugural season.
Cowley was appointed manager of Huddersfield Town in September 2019 before moving on to his most recent managerial position at Portsmouth, where he will take over in 2021.
Meanwhile, back at Lincoln City, we look at the manager’s first five signings, which helped him cement his place in the club’s history.
Alex Woodyard
Woodyard, a staple in Cowley’s Braintree eleven, appeared 44 times for the Iron in the National League, helping them to a play-off finish.
The England C captain quickly settled into the Lincoln backline, making 45 games in the red and white as City won promotion to the Football League.
The 30-year-old had two great seasons in Lincolnshire, appearing in every league Two encounter the following season before moving on to a successful career throughout the EFL.
The defender joined Peterborough United in 2018 before going on to Tranmere Rovers and AFC Wimbledon before joining York City this summer.
Taylor Miles
After excelling for Braintree Town, the West Ham academy product reunited with Danny Cowley.
Miles, who signed a one-year contract, was unable to establish himself in the Lincoln ranks after loans to Boston United and former club Concord Rangers.
With recent moves to Hemel Hempstead, Chelmsford, and Hayes & Yeading, the 28-year-old has gone on to play at the highest end of non-league football.
Hayes & Yeading are his current club, according to Transfermarkt.
Sam Habergham
Another Braintree player, the Norwich City academy graduate made over 170 appearances for the Iron during his four seasons in Essex.
The left-back appeared 43 times in Lincoln’s title-winning season, displaying genuine skill in the closing third and contributing 10 goals.
Injuries cut short his last year at the club, but he made 33 appearances the next year before returning to play with Grimsby Town in 2021.
Following a brief time in Australia, the 31-year-old returned to non-league football, first with Wealdstone before joining Woking this season.
Adam Marriott
