Mark Kennedy thanked City supporters for the way they have helped his young team fulfil their potential this season.
A warm welcome from close to 600 travelling Imps after Saturday’s match at Morecambe was indicative of the backing they have shown players in what has been a learning campaign.
He said: “When you’ve got a young team learning their trade that need that support, which we’ve had all season. We will have off days, but it was quite humbling.
“It was so encouraging and positive, and will stick with me in the memory for a long time. Thank you to everyone.”
City played their part in an entertaining game at the Mazuma Stadium on Saturday. While Kennedy was frustrated with the end result, he felt his side continued their trend of largely positive performances to finish the season.
He added: “You can get lost in the result because we were beaten, but I thought we played really well at times. We’re all disappointed but criticism has to be constructive. They’re a great group of players and this year has been the best period I’ve had in football.
“We scored two really good goals, then Danny Mandroiu hit a post and Paudie O’Connor hit the bar - on another day they go in and we cruise to a win.”