Lincoln City’s training camp fixture against Bromley in Portugal was marred by miscommunication and shifting details, but it shouldn’t overshadow the progress being made.
Fans who travelled in good faith deserved more clarity, but some perspective is needed in judging what was, ultimately, a training session.
With a shifting date and then a moving kick-off time, some supporters complained about being left out in the (metaphorical) cold, while the club played their warm-weather game. But is that just another rod to beat the Imps with?
The Right Intentions, Lost in Translation
Let’s be clear from the outset. Lincoln City’s warm-weather camp was never about the supporters. It was about fitness, tactical planning, and preparing the squad for a crucial League One campaign. The frustration around the Portugal fixture stemmed not from any lack of care, but from the nature of the game itself. It was not club-organised, not ticketed, and not designed to be a public event. In that context, the chaos around the changing kick-off times was less a betrayal and more a logistical consequence of a match that was never meant to take centre stage.
That said, the club made mistakes. The fixture was listed on the official website alongside games against Grimsby and West Bromwich Albion, which are proper, public pre-season matches. That led many to believe this game would follow a similar format. Add to that the club message that fans at the match would be welcome to meet players and join in a group photo, and it is easy to see why some assumed attendance was not only permitted but actively encouraged.
Fans Deserve Better Communication
Supporters who booked flights and hotels based on the original 6:30 pm kick-off can justifiably feel disappointed. The match was later moved to 11 am, and then again to 10 am. That shift not only disrupted travel plans, but also damaged the social aspect that makes following your club abroad so enjoyable.
This goes deeper than one friendly. It is about expectation management. Lincoln City have been exemplary in supporter engagement over recent years. That reputation creates trust. But when information is vague or contradictory, as it was in this case, that trust is tested. The claim that fans were advised not to travel only applied to those who contacted the club directly. For many others, no such warning existed.
Two Sides to Every Story
CEO Liam Scully deserves credit for responding directly and clearly on the Vital Lincoln City forum. His post explained that the game was arranged externally, that pitch access was limited, and that the club’s only real input was to communicate the available information once fans had already made plans. He also clarified that the move to an earlier time allowed for two 60-minute games, which served a useful purpose from a footballing perspective.
This was not a case of a club ignoring its fan base. On the contrary, it was a club doing its best under circumstances it did not fully control. Had they refused to release details, the backlash might have been even stronger. The problem was never malice or negligence, just a lack of joined-up communication and clearer warnings.
Not a Disaster, but Room for Improvement
It is important to stay grounded. This was not a PR disaster or some great betrayal. It was an inconvenience caused by a number of moving parts behind the scenes. Around 30 fans still made it to the game, most of whom enjoyed the experience, and by all accounts, the atmosphere remained upbeat. But lessons can and should be learned.
In future, if a game is not officially arranged or ticketed by the club, it should be labelled as such. A simple line stating that the fixture is behind closed doors, subject to change, or not intended for supporter attendance would be enough. That would help supporters make informed decisions before committing financially.
The Bond with the Fans Remains
None of this changes the fact that Lincoln City remain one of the best-run clubs in League One. The work being done across all departments is a credit to the leadership of Clive Nates and Liam Scully. The misstep in Portugal should not erase the goodwill that has been built over several years. If anything, it shows how deeply people care.
Supporters do not travel abroad expecting five-star treatment. But they do expect honesty, clarity, and respect. Those things cost nothing, but they matter.
Site Opinion
The Portugal situation was avoidable, and it will sting for those who spent good money only to see the goalposts move. But this was not a case of a club taking supporters for granted. It was a case of good intentions meeting poor optics. The Imps are still getting it right far more often than not.
Let this be a small bump in the road, not a sign of any deeper problem. With better foresight next time, these things can be avoided entirely. And when Reading come to town in August, no one will be talking about kick-off times in Portugal. They’ll be talking about the football. UTI.
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