City fans have taken part in a unique photoshoot to celebrate the club's history as part of the fan-led #MyCityMyShirt initiative.
The limited edition shirt, designed by Imps fans Gary Hutchinson, Mandi Slater and Danny Nesbitt, pays tribute to the area’s proud RAF history, the iconic cathedral and features the colours of the Lincolnshire flag.
Anwar Uddin from Kick It Out and the Football Supporters' Association’s Fans For Diversity campaign came up with the #MyCityMyShirt idea and, as a supporter of the campaign, Maria Ryder from the Lady Imps Supporters Association approached the club with the idea of doing it in Lincoln.
Maria has overseen the project with the backing of the club, with the limited edition shirt being available from the club's Waterside store from Thursday afternoon.
As part of the launch, the images from the photoshoot were due to be displayed on the digital screens across Waterside.
The images were taken by local photographers Graham Burrell and Stuart Wilde and celebrate the diverse nature of the club's fanbase.
Imps players Ben House, Jordan Wright and Joe Walsh also attended for a meet and greet event with supporters.
Maria said: “The club have been hugely supportive and it’s great that fans will be able to buy the shirts in the Waterside store.
“This is the first-time a club shirt has featured the Fans For Diversity logo, and it’s fitting that supporters have been key in the design of the project.”
Anwar Uddin, Fans for Diversity campaign manager at the FSF, said “What’s brilliant about what the fans and Lincoln City FC have done with their #MyCityMyShirt project is the superb extra layer of detail with an official shirt which reflects the club’s links to the area and it’s history, along with the message welcoming everyone. Seeing the shirt next to the iconic locations is first class!"
An initial run of 100 shirts have been produced for this limited-edition project. The design incorporates the roundel motif as a nod to links with the RAF, with the Bishop’s Eye window of the cathedral an inspiration behind the pattern on the shirt.
The stained glass Bishop’s Eye window dates back to medieval times and is designed to welcome visitors to the building - reflecting the message that the Lincoln City message welcomes everyone whatever their background.
Mandi Slater, one of the shirt designers, said: "I’ve grown up watching Lincoln City. Sincil Bank is like a second home to me and it’s a place that always gives me a true sense of belonging. It’s the one place I can go and forget about everything else and get completely absorbed in the game"