| REGISTERED NUMBER: 07895367 (England and Wales) |
| Group Strategic Report, |
| Report of the Directors and |
| Consolidated Financial Statements |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| for |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited |
| REGISTERED NUMBER: 07895367 (England and Wales) |
| Group Strategic Report, |
| Report of the Directors and |
| Consolidated Financial Statements |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| for |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Contents of the Consolidated Financial Statements |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| Page |
| Company Information | 1 |
| Group Strategic Report | 2 |
| Report of the Directors | 5 |
| Report of the Independent Auditors | 7 |
| Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income | 10 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet | 11 |
| Company Balance Sheet | 12 |
| Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity | 13 |
| Company Statement of Changes in Equity | 14 |
| Consolidated Cash Flow Statement | 15 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement | 16 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 17 |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited |
| Company Information |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| DIRECTORS: |
| SECRETARY: |
| REGISTERED OFFICE: |
| REGISTERED NUMBER: |
| SENIOR STATUTORY AUDITOR: | James Sewell BA(Hons) FCA CTA (Senior Statutory Auditor |
| AUDITORS: |
| Statutory Auditors |
| Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers |
| 15 Newland |
| Lincoln |
| Lincolnshire |
| LN1 1XG |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Group Strategic Report |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| The directors present their strategic report of the company and the group for the year ended 30 June 2025. |
| REVIEW OF BUSINESS |
| The key financial and performance indicators for the current and three previous financial years are shown below: |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| £ 000 | £ 000 | £ 000 | £ 000 |
| Turnover | 8,478 | 6,977 | 6,527 | 5,567 |
| Staff Costs | 7,526 | 6,938 | 5,931 | 6,236 |
| Profit/(loss) | (2,881) | (2,981) | (2,636) | (2,052) |
| Final position (League 1) | 11th | 7th | 11th | 17th |
| Average League Attendance | 9,004 | 8,424 | 8,486 | 8,773 |
| Seasons review |
| The club completed its 6th successive season back in League 1 with another top-half finish albeit four places below last season. A good start to the season positioned the club in the play-off places by mid-November but a subsequent run of one win in ten hampered any play-off aspirations. |
| A respectable league position was achieved given the explosion in player remuneration in League 1 which saw an increase of more than 50% in these costs. Although player-related spending in League 1 is governed by the EFL's Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP), there is ultimately no limit on what an individual club may spend on player costs. Unlike the Premier League or EFL Championship there is also no limit on the extent of losses a club may incur in League 1. Despite our player costs increasing by more than 20% compared to last season, we slipped from the 12th largest budget to 19th and 17th after the summer and winter transfer windows respectively. |
| We reached the third round of the FA Cup before losing narrowly to League 1 title winners Birmingham City and lost by the same scoreline to Bolton Wanderers in the last 16 of the EFL Trophy. The biggest disappointment was a first round exit to League 2 Harrogate Town in the Carabao Cup. |
| Turnover |
| Turnover is analysed into its main components as follows: |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ 000 | £ 000 |
| Matchday | 2,852 | 2,353 |
| Central distribution and grants | 2,275 | 1,768 |
| Commercial, hospitality and retail | 1,910 | 1,750 |
| Academy grants and fundraising | 776 | 680 |
| Football fortune and miscellaneous income | 665 | 426 |
| 8,478 | 6,977 |
| Overall turnover was significantly higher, up nearly 22% and surpassing £8million for the first time. |
| Although Matchday revenue shows a significant increase this was largely due to the decision to bring bar and catering operations in-house from the start of the season. Excluding this impact, Matchday revenue was marginally up due to higher season ticket sales and slightly better cup revenue offset by a decline in EFL digital sales following the new broadcast deal. |
| Central distributions increased by nearly £0.5 million, almost solely on the back of the new EFL domestic broadcast deal with Sky Sports. After offsetting the loss in domestic digital sales, the net benefit from the new deal amounted to £0.35 million. Solidarity income from the Premier league increased by just under 3%. |
| Commercial income again increased by a double-digit percentage while retail and hospitality income were marginally higher. |
| Football fortune and miscellaneous income increased by more than £200k largely due to more prize money from greater progress in the FA Cup and EFL trophy. Player loan fees received were also higher. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Group Strategic Report |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| Player Trading |
| Included in other operating income were player trading profits exceeding £0.5million. This primarily comprised the guaranteed fee and a contingent appearance fee from Millwall from the sale of goalkeeper Lukas Jensen in July 2024. Further net receipts were derived from the sale of Dylan Duffy to Chesterfield, 14-year-old academy player Jaxon Tomak to Nottingham Forest and a contingent appearance fee from the sale of Lasse Sorensen. |
| Netted off against the receipts were costs arising from the mutual cancellation of Jaden Brown's contract and a contingent appearance fee due to Tottenham Hotspur on the ending of TJ Eyoma's contract with the club. |
| Operating loss |
| The loss for the financial year was marginally lower than the corresponding year at £2.9 million and in line with projections. Despite the sharply higher turnover, administrative expenses increased by 13%. |
| As mentioned previously, the decision to bring bar and catering operations in-house inflated turnover as well as increasing costs by £0.45 million. Aside from higher player related expenditure, general business costs continued to increase at well above the rate of inflation. |
| Balance sheet |
| The cost of additional player and management registrations during the financial year amounted to £0.55 million comprising fees for the signing of Rob Street, JJ McKiernan, George Wickens, Dom Jefferies and Erik Ring as well as some minor contingents for players signed previously. |
| Capital expenditure during the financial year amounted to £0.8million including £0.5 million at the LNER stadium and just over £0.2 million at the Elite Performance Centre. |
| Cash balances at year-end increased to £1.6 million from £1.3 million. |
| Long term creditors increased further to £2.6 million, attributable to the receipt of further capital grants for the Stacey West Community Hub project. Actual long-term debt which relates to bonds issued to fans for capital projects amounted to £537k at year-end with a further £79k included in current liabilities. |
| Net assets increased to £4.5 million from £3.8 million. |
| All additional funding required by the club was provided by shareholders through the issue of an additional 9.9 million shares for £3.6 million. |
| POST BALANCE SHEET AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS |
| We were pleased to record our first seven figure player sale with the transfer of academy graduate Jovon Makama to Norwich City in August. Midfielders Ethan Erhahon and Ethan Hamilton were also sold during the summer transfer window. |
| These player sales will enable a significant reduction in the forecast loss for the 2025/26 year to approximately £2 million. Cash flow requirements will however remain close to previously anticipated levels with significant reinvestment into the squad. Ukrainian U21 international midfielder Ivan Varfolomeev was signed from Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic for the biggest outlay during the summer window, and Ryley Towler and Oscar Thorn were also acquired, from Portsmouth and Colchester United respectively, for low six figure fees. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Group Strategic Report |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| On 11 December, the board approved a proposal from Ron Fowler which would result in his company Liquid Investments, Inc. increasing its shareholding in Lincoln City Holdings, the controlling shareholder of the football club, above 25% and assume responsibility for the funding of the club for the immediate future. Acquiring 25% or more of the share capital is regarded by the EFL as acquiring Control and consequently Liquid Investments, Inc. will need to demonstrate they are eligible to acquire Control and are able to and will provide the necessary funding to ensure the club can continue to operate post-acquisition. Upon approval from the EFL, Liquid Investments, Inc. will acquire additional shares for cash and increase it's holding above 25%. The additional funding to be provided by Liquid Investments, Inc. in the current season is earmarked for various projects at the LNER Stadium which will aim to maximise our major assets and amplify our core focus on growing fan engagement, commercial revenue and innovation. Ron Fowler will assume the role of Chairman of both Lincoln City Holdings and the football club with Clive Nates and Jay Wright being the co-Vice Chairman. |
| ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Report of the Directors |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company and the group for the year ended 30 June 2025. |
| DIVIDENDS |
| No dividends will be distributed for the year ended 30 June 2025. |
| DIRECTORS |
| The directors set out below have held office during the whole of the period from 1 July 2024 to the date of this report unless otherwise stated. |
| R G Bates - resigned 11 August 2025 |
| Lincoln City Supporters' Society Ltd |
| C H Nates |
| J S Wright |
| G D Levine - resigned 11 August 2025 |
| H F F Kok - resigned 11 August 2025 |
| D Lowes |
| S A Melnick |
| S L Tointon - resigned 11 August 2025 |
| H Jabara |
| G C Rossini |
| H N Ragland IV - resigned 11 August 2025 |
| C J Travers - appointed 10 January 2025, resigned 11 August 2025 |
| R L Fowler - appointed 11 August 2025 |
| A P Fowler - appointed 11 August 2025 |
| The beneficial interests of the directors holding office during the year to 30 June 2025 in the shares of the company, according to the register of directors interests were as follows: |
| 30/06/25 | 30/06/24 |
| S L Tointon - resigned 11 August 2025 | 162,000 | 157,500 |
| D Lowes | 211,250 | 211,250 |
| J S Wright | 1,900,000 | 1,900,000 |
| R Bates | 140,832 | 136,332 |
| Lincoln City Supporters' Society Ltd | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 |
| C H Nates | 10,050,000 | 9,925,000 |
| S A Melnick | 2,265,000 | 2,265,000 |
| G Levine | 75,000 | 75,000 |
| G C Rossini | 19,325 | - |
| C J Travers | 307,640 | - |
| H Jabara | 15,764,166 | 12,750,000 |
| These directors did not hold any non-beneficial interests in the shares of the company. |
| STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES |
| The directors are responsible for preparing the Group Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. |
| Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the group and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: |
| - | select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; |
| - | make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
| - | prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. |
| The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's and the group's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and the group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Report of the Directors |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS |
| So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the group's auditors are unaware, and each director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the group's auditors are aware of that information. |
| AUDITORS |
| The auditors, Wright Vigar Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. |
| ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
| Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited |
| Opinion |
| We have audited the financial statements of Lincoln City Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 30 June 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Company Balance Sheet, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Company Statement of Changes in Equity, Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). |
| In our opinion the financial statements: |
| - | give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the parent company affairs as at 30 June 2025 and of the group's loss for the year then ended; |
| - | have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and |
| - | have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. |
| Basis for opinion |
| We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. |
| Conclusions relating to going concern |
| In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. |
| Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. |
| Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. |
| Other information |
| The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information in the Group Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors, but does not include the financial statements and our Report of the Auditors thereon. |
| Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. |
| In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. |
| The financial statements of Lincoln City Holdings Limited as of 30 June 2024 were audited by other auditors whose report dated 19 December 2024 expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements. |
| Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 |
| In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: |
| - | the information given in the Group Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and |
| - | the Group Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. |
| Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited |
| Matters on which we are required to report by exception |
| In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group Strategic Report or the Report of the Directors. |
| We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: |
| - | adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or |
| - | the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or |
| - | certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or |
| - | we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. |
| Responsibilities of directors |
| As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page five, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. |
| In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. |
| Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements |
| Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. |
| The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: |
| Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from |
| material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors that includes our opinion. |
| Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. |
| The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: |
| Our work is performed to include an assessment of the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material |
| misstatement, including the risk of fraud. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK). |
| Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited |
| In identifying and assessing risk of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following: |
| - We plan our work to gain an understanding of the significant laws and regulations that are of significance to the |
| entity and the sector in which they operate. We perform our work to ensure that the entity is complying with its |
| legal and regulatory framework. |
| - We obtained an understanding of how the company is complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks by |
| making inquiries to the management and people charged with governance. |
| We assessed the susceptibility of the Company's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud |
| might occur. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included: |
| - Substantive procedures performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK). |
| - Challenging assumptions and judgments made by management in its significant accounting estimates. |
| - Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular material journal entries and an assessment of year end journals. |
| - Assessing the extent of compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. |
| A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors. |
| A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors. |
| Use of our report |
| This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in a Report of the Auditors and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. |
| for and on behalf of |
| Statutory Auditors |
| Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers |
| 15 Newland |
| Lincoln |
| Lincolnshire |
| LN1 1XG |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Consolidated |
| Statement of Comprehensive |
| Income |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| Notes | £ | £ |
| TURNOVER | 3 | 8,478,308 | 6,976,968 |
| Cost of sales | 604,423 | 344,899 |
| GROSS PROFIT | 7,873,885 | 6,632,069 |
| Administrative expenses | 11,436,136 | 10,076,649 |
| (3,562,251 | ) | (3,444,580 | ) |
| Other operating income | 694,240 | 478,011 |
| OPERATING LOSS | 5 | (2,868,011 | ) | (2,966,569 | ) |
| Interest payable and similar expenses | 6 | 12,991 | 14,510 |
| LOSS BEFORE TAXATION | (2,881,002 | ) | (2,981,079 | ) |
| Tax on loss | 7 | - | - |
| LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR | ( |
) | ( |
) |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | - | - |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
(2,881,002 |
) |
(2,981,079 |
) |
| Loss attributable to: |
| Owners of the parent | (2,881,002 | ) | (2,981,079 | ) |
| Total comprehensive income attributable to: |
| Owners of the parent | (2,884,192 | ) | (2,971,935 | ) |
| Non-controlling interests | 3,190 | (9,144 | ) |
| (2,881,002 | ) | (2,981,079 | ) |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet |
| 30 June 2025 |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| FIXED ASSETS |
| Intangible assets | 9 | 581,678 | 412,052 |
| Tangible assets | 10 | 7,529,719 | 6,818,836 |
| Investments | 11 | 3 | 3 |
| 8,111,400 | 7,230,891 |
| CURRENT ASSETS |
| Stocks | 12 | 7,766 | 2,250 |
| Debtors | 13 | 1,500,391 | 1,169,536 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 1,610,285 | 1,809,605 |
| 3,118,442 | 2,981,391 |
| CREDITORS |
| Amounts falling due within one year | 14 | 4,126,281 | 3,627,724 |
| NET CURRENT LIABILITIES | (1,007,839 | ) | (646,333 | ) |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
7,103,561 |
6,584,558 |
| CREDITORS |
| Amounts falling due after more than one year |
15 |
2,624,480 |
2,318,812 |
| NET ASSETS | 4,479,081 | 4,265,746 |
| CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
| Called up share capital | 17 | 4,816,084 | 3,955,575 |
| Share premium | 15,172,141 | 12,971,957 |
| Revaluation reserve | 750,548 | 750,548 |
| Retained earnings | (16,624,175 | ) | (13,773,627 | ) |
| 4,114,598 | 3,904,453 |
| NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | 364,483 | 361,293 |
| TOTAL EQUITY | 4,479,081 | 4,265,746 |
| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 11 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: |
| C H Nates - Director |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Company Balance Sheet |
| 30 June 2025 |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| FIXED ASSETS |
| Intangible assets | 9 |
| Tangible assets | 10 |
| Investments | 11 |
| CURRENT ASSETS |
| Cash at bank |
| CREDITORS |
| Amounts falling due within one year | 14 |
| NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS | ( |
) |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
| CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
| Called up share capital | 17 |
| Share premium |
| Retained earnings | ( |
) | ( |
) |
| Company's profit for the financial year | - | - |
| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| Called up |
| share | Retained | Share | Revaluation |
| capital | earnings | premium | reserve |
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Balance at 1 July 2023 | 2,835,500 | (10,664,089 | ) | 9,586,324 | 722,470 |
| Changes in equity |
| Share subscriptions | 1,120,075 | - | 3,385,633 | - |
| Non controlling interest | - | (414,467 | ) | - | - |
| Total comprehensive income | - | (2,695,071 | ) | - | 28,078 |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | 3,955,575 | (13,773,627 | ) | 12,971,957 | 750,548 |
| Changes in equity |
| Share subscriptions | 860,509 | - | 2,200,184 | - |
| Total comprehensive income | - | (2,850,548 | ) | - | - |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | 4,816,084 | (16,624,175 | ) | 15,172,141 | 750,548 |
| Interest | Non-controlling | Total |
| reserve | Total | interests | equity |
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Balance at 1 July 2023 | 4,056 | 2,484,261 | 370,437 | 2,854,698 |
| Changes in equity |
| Share subscriptions | - | 4,505,708 | - | 4,505,708 |
| Non controlling interest | - | (414,467 | ) | - | (414,467 | ) |
| Total comprehensive income | (4,056 | ) | (2,671,049 | ) | (9,144 | ) | (2,680,193 | ) |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | - | 3,904,453 | 361,293 | 4,265,746 |
| Changes in equity |
| Share subscriptions | - | 3,060,693 | - | 3,060,693 |
| Total comprehensive income | - | (2,850,548 | ) | 3,190 | (2,847,358 | ) |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | - | 4,114,598 | 364,483 | 4,479,081 |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Company Statement of Changes in Equity |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| Called up |
| share | Retained | Share | Total |
| capital | earnings | premium | equity |
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Balance at 1 July 2023 | ( |
) |
| Changes in equity |
| Issue of share capital | - |
| Balance at 30 June 2024 | ( |
) |
| Changes in equity |
| Issue of share capital | - |
| Balance at 30 June 2025 | ( |
) |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Consolidated Cash Flow Statement |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| Notes | £ | £ |
| Cash flows from operating activities |
| Cash generated from operations | 1 | (2,423,024 | ) | (1,919,638 | ) |
| Finance costs paid | (12,991 | ) | (14,510 | ) |
| Net cash from operating activities | (2,436,015 | ) | (1,934,148 | ) |
| Cash flows from investing activities |
| Purchase of intangible fixed assets | (550,430 | ) | (331,988 | ) |
| Purchase of tangible fixed assets | (834,902 | ) | (2,320,082 | ) |
| Sale of intangible fixed assets | 536,559 | 370,250 |
| Sale of tangible fixed assets | - | 2,650 |
| Net cash from investing activities | (848,773 | ) | (2,279,170 | ) |
| Cash flows from financing activities |
| Capital repayments in year | - | (61,200 | ) |
| Share issue | 3,085,468 | 4,396,788 |
| Net cash from financing activities | 3,085,468 | 4,335,588 |
| (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | (199,320 | ) | 122,270 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
2 |
1,809,605 |
1,687,335 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 2 | 1,610,285 | 1,809,605 |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 1. | RECONCILIATION OF LOSS BEFORE TAXATION TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Loss before taxation | (2,881,002 | ) | (2,981,079 | ) |
| Depreciation charges | 123,307 | 103,516 |
| Profit on disposal of fixed assets | (526,978 | ) | (370,757 | ) |
| Amortisation | 380,804 | 297,397 |
| Finance costs | 12,991 | 14,510 |
| (2,890,878 | ) | (2,936,413 | ) |
| (Increase)/decrease in stocks | (5,516 | ) | 18,224 |
| Increase in trade and other debtors | (330,855 | ) | (140,098 | ) |
| Increase in trade and other creditors | 804,225 | 1,138,649 |
| Cash generated from operations | (2,423,024 | ) | (1,919,638 | ) |
| 2. | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
| The amounts disclosed on the Cash Flow Statement in respect of cash and cash equivalents are in respect of these Balance Sheet amounts: |
| Year ended 30 June 2025 |
| 30.6.25 | 1.7.24 |
| £ | £ |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,610,285 | 1,809,605 |
| Year ended 30 June 2024 |
| 30.6.24 | 1.7.23 |
| £ | £ |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,809,605 | 1,687,335 |
| 3. | ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS |
| At 1.7.24 | Cash flow | At 30.6.25 |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Net cash |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 1,809,605 | (199,320 | ) | 1,610,285 |
| 1,809,605 | (199,320 | ) | 1,610,285 |
| Total | 1,809,605 | (199,320 | ) | 1,610,285 |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 1. | STATUTORY INFORMATION |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited is a |
| The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£). |
| 2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
| Basis of preparing the financial statements |
| These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain assets. |
| Basis of consolidation |
| The group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of Lincoln City Holdings Limited and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 30 June each year. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. Control comprises the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee so as to obtain benefit from its activities. |
| All other subsidiary undertakings have been excluded from consolidation on the basis of having an immaterial impact to the group consolidated financial statements. |
| Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty |
| The financial statements are prepared to generally accepted accounting principles which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect assets and liabilities. Actual results could be different due to these estimates. The effect of any differences are reported at the time the information becomes available. Potential assets and liabilities can only be realised once they become due, because of the uncertain nature of football. These include add-on fees relating to but are not limited to sell on clauses, appearances, goals, clean sheets and promotions. |
| Turnover |
| Turnover represents gate monies, league levy and cup pool, advertising and sponsorship income, bar and catering, retail shop and all weather pitch income, excluding Value Added Tax. |
| Income from commercial contracts and season ticket sales received prior the year end but for the following season is classed as deferred income. |
| Tangible fixed assets |
| Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. |
| Property - Varying rates between 0% and 20% on Cost |
| Equipment - 20% on Cost |
| Motor vehicles - 20% on Cost |
| Due to the repairs and maintenance carried out in the year certain property assets have not been depreciated. In these circumstances the directors undertake an annual impairment review of these assets. |
| Investments in subsidiaries |
| Investments in subsidiary undertakings are recognised at cost less any provision for impairment. |
| Stocks |
| Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
| Financial instruments |
| Only basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102 are held. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the accounts only when the entity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument and their measurement basis is as follows: |
| Financial assets - trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost. Prepayments are not financial instruments. |
| Cash at bank is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at transaction price. |
| Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instrument. |
| Basic financial liabilities |
| Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, loans and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. |
| Government grants |
| Government grants received are treated as deferred creditors and credited to the profit and loss account over the estimated useful life of the relevant fixed assets. |
| Taxation |
| Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. |
| Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted. |
| Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. |
| Deferred tax |
| Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date. |
| Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. |
| Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. |
| Research and development |
| Expenditure on research and development that does not meet the criteria for capitalisation is written off in the year in which it is incurred. |
| Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
| The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the group's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate. |
| Pensions are paid to some employees' personal pension plans. These costs are charged to the profit |
| and loss account as they occur. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
| Intangible assets - player and management registration |
| Transfer fees and other costs associated with the acquisition of players, management and professional department support team' registrations are capitalised as intangible fixed assets. These costs are amortised over the period of the players, management and professional department support team contracts adjusted for any agreed extensions. These costs are adjusted when the amortised value exceeds the amount recoverable through use or sale. Future costs which may become due are recognised within the original cost of acquisition if, in the opinion of the directors, it is probable that these costs will be incurred. |
| Where proceeds are received from the disposal of players, management and professional department support team these future receipts are not recognised as part of the proceeds of disposal until such time as the events upon which these receipts are dependent, are known to have occurred. No value is recognised in the financial statements for players, management and professional department support team developed within the company. |
| Going Concern |
| The Directors and underlying investors have indicated their intention to support the company by providing funding until the end of the current season and beyond if that is necessary. The Directors continue to take a proactive and broad approach to seeking further investment. The Directors have undertaken a review of the business plan and likely cash flow requirements covering a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these accounts and have concluded that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on the going concern basis. |
| Deferred income |
| Deferred income comprises amounts received from sponsorship, season tickets and other income which is released to the profit and loss on a straight line basis over the period to which it relates. |
| Rental |
| Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. |
| 3. | TURNOVER |
| The turnover and loss before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the group. |
| An analysis of turnover by class of business is given below: |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Matchday | 2,851,800 | 2,353,012 |
| Central distribution and grants | 2,275,433 | 1,768,428 |
| Commercial, hospitality and retail | 1,909,729 | 1,749,839 |
| Academy grants and fundraising | 775,767 | 679,493 |
| Football fortune and miscellaneous income | 665,579 | 426,196 |
| 8,478,308 | 6,976,968 |
| The turnover and loss before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the group. |
| 4. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Wages and salaries | 6,662,181 | 6,179,878 |
| Social security costs | 778,620 | 649,313 |
| Other pension costs | 85,486 | 108,579 |
| 7,526,287 | 6,937,770 |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 4. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS - continued |
| The average number of employees during the year was as follows: |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| First team support staff | 27 | 24 |
| First team players | 31 | 30 |
| Academy support staff | 30 | 29 |
| Scholars | 15 | 16 |
| Business Ops & Commercial | 24 | 25 |
| Matchday (Catering and stewarding) | 212 | 105 |
| The employee descriptions have been updated to bring in line with internal reporting with the prior year restated. |
| During the year directors remuneration amounted to £199,500 (2024: £32,000). |
| 5. | OPERATING LOSS |
| The operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting): |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 124,019 | 103,516 |
| Profit on disposal of fixed assets | (526,978 | ) | (370,757 | ) |
| Player & management amortisation | 371,223 | 297,397 |
| 6. | INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR EXPENSES |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Bond interest | 12,991 | 14,510 |
| 7. | TAXATION |
| Analysis of the tax charge |
| No liability to UK corporation tax arose for the year ended 30 June 2025 nor for the year ended 30 June 2024. |
| Reconciliation of total tax charge included in profit and loss |
| The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below: |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Loss before tax | (2,881,002 | ) | (2,981,079 | ) |
| Loss multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25 % (2024 - 25 %) |
(720,251 |
) |
(745,270 |
) |
| Effects of: |
| Depreciation in excess of capital allowances | 30,827 | 18,019 |
| Loss brought forward | (3,375,204 | ) | (2,647,953 | ) |
| Loss carried forward | 4,064,628 | 3,375,204 |
| Total tax charge | - | - |
| Factors that may affect future tax charges |
| Losses carried forward amounted to £18,582,931 (2024: £15,280,556). No provision has been made for a deferred taxation asset as the recoverability of these losses against future profits is uncertain. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 8. | INDIVIDUAL STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
| As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Statement of Comprehensive Income of the parent company is not presented as part of these financial statements. |
| 9. | INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
| Group |
| Player & |
| management |
| £ |
| COST |
| At 1 July 2024 | 641,063 |
| Additions | 550,430 |
| Disposals | (123,000 | ) |
| At 30 June 2025 | 1,068,493 |
| AMORTISATION |
| At 1 July 2024 | 229,011 |
| Amortisation for year | 371,223 |
| Eliminated on disposal | (113,419 | ) |
| At 30 June 2025 | 486,815 |
| NET BOOK VALUE |
| At 30 June 2025 | 581,678 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 412,052 |
| 10. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
| Group |
| Motor |
| Property | Equipment | vehicles | Totals |
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
| COST |
| At 1 July 2024 | 8,281,325 | 901,759 | 23,700 | 9,206,784 |
| Additions | 724,154 | 110,748 | - | 834,902 |
| At 30 June 2025 | 9,005,479 | 1,012,507 | 23,700 | 10,041,686 |
| DEPRECIATION |
| At 1 July 2024 | 1,604,373 | 759,875 | 23,700 | 2,387,948 |
| Charge for year | 68,524 | 55,495 | - | 124,019 |
| At 30 June 2025 | 1,672,897 | 815,370 | 23,700 | 2,511,967 |
| NET BOOK VALUE |
| At 30 June 2025 | 7,332,582 | 197,137 | - | 7,529,719 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 6,676,952 | 141,884 | - | 6,818,836 |
| Included in cost of land and buildings is freehold land of £5,485,539 (2024 - £4,984,548) which is not depreciated. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 10. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued |
| Group |
| Included in property are: |
| All |
| Freehold | weather |
| property | EPC | pitch | Totals |
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
| COST OR VALUATION |
| At 1 July 2024 | 6,298,633 | 1,548,796 | 433,897 | 8,281,326 |
| Additions | 499,991 | 224,163 | - | 724,154 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - |
| At 30 June 2025 | 6,798,624 | 1,772,959 | 433,897 | 9,005,480 |
| DEPRECIATION |
| At 1 July 2024 | 1,313,085 | 220,517 | 70,771 | 1,604,373 |
| Charge for the year | - | 50,111 | 18,413 | 68,524 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - |
| At 30 June 2025 | 1,313,085 | 270,628 | 89,184 | 1,672,897 |
| NET BOOK VALUE |
| At 30 June 2025 | 5,485,539 | 1,502,331 | 344,713 | 7,332,583 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 4,984,548 | 1,328,279 | 363,126 | 6,676,953 |
| Freehold property is stated at deemed cost, that being market value at the date of transition (1 June 2017) to new accounting standards FRS 102. |
| 11. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |
| Group |
| Shares in |
| group |
| undertakings |
| £ |
| COST |
| At 1 July 2024 |
| and 30 June 2025 | 3 |
| NET BOOK VALUE |
| At 30 June 2025 | 3 |
| At 30 June 2024 | 3 |
| Company |
| Shares in |
| group |
| undertakings |
| £ |
| COST |
| At 1 July 2024 |
| Additions |
| At 30 June 2025 |
| NET BOOK VALUE |
| At 30 June 2025 |
| At 30 June 2024 |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 11. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued |
| The group or the company's investments at the Balance Sheet date in the share capital of companies include the following: |
| Subsidiary |
| Registered office: LNER Stadium, Sincil Bank, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 8LD |
| Nature of business: |
| % |
| Class of shares: | holding |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Aggregate capital and reserves |
| Loss for the year | ( |
) | ( |
) |
| 12. | STOCKS |
| Group |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Stocks | 7,766 | 2,250 |
| 13. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
| Group |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Trade debtors | 1,061,247 | 715,943 |
| Amounts owed by group undertakings | 47 | 47 |
| Impfinity Ltd. | 3 | 3 |
| Other debtors | 65,170 | 72,430 |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 373,924 | 381,113 |
| 1,500,391 | 1,169,536 |
| 14. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
| Group | Company |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Trade creditors | 504,558 | 396,470 |
| Social security and other taxes | 792,156 | 543,927 |
| Other creditors | 558,476 | 491,424 |
| Deferred capital grant | 17,702 | 17,702 | - | - |
| Bonds | 78,929 | 134,534 | - | - |
| Accruals and deferred income | 2,174,460 | 2,043,667 |
| 4,126,281 | 3,627,724 |
| 15. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR |
| Group |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Bonds | 536,755 | 491,509 |
| Deferred capital grant | 2,087,725 | 1,827,303 |
| 2,624,480 | 2,318,812 |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 16. | LEASING AGREEMENTS |
| Minimum lease payments fall due as follows: |
| Group |
| Non-cancellable |
| operating leases |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Between one and five years | 120,015 | 150,018 |
| The tenancy agreement is for a period of 35 years, starting in 2018. Lincoln City Football Club Company Ltd has the ability to terminate the lease from 2028 on 6 months notice. Rent can be increased in line with the prevailing RPI every 36 months by the landlord. |
| 17. | CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL |
| Group |
| Allocated, issued and fully paid: |
| Number: | Class: | Nominal | 30/6/25 | 30/6/24 |
| value: | £ | £ |
| 48,160,838 | Ordinary | 10p | 4,816,084 | 3,955,576 |
| Total | 4,816,084 | 3,955,576 |
| Company |
| Allocated, issued and fully paid: |
| Number: | Class: | Nominal | 30/6/25 | 30/6/24 |
| value: | £ | £ |
| 48,160,838 | Ordinary | 10p | 4,816,084 | 3,955,576 |
| 19,924 ordinary 50p shares were issued during the year for cash of £9,962. 4,751,825 ordinary 40p shares were issued during the year for cash of £1,900,730. 3,833,332 ordinary 30p shares were issued during the year for cash of £1,150,000. All shares issued have right to voting and dividend. |
| 18. | CONTINGENT LIABILITIES |
| There are potential liabilities and assets in respect of transactions involving players registrations. Due to the variable nature of these amounts it is not possible to calculate the maximum potential liability or asset. |
| 19. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
| TRADING RELATIONSHIPS |
| During the period the company has traded with other businesses in which individual directors have an interest. |
| All of these transactions were carried out under normal commercial terms. |
| DIRECTORS |
| There were no amounts owing by or to directors at 30 June 2024 or 30 June 2025. |
| Key Management Personnel |
| Remuneration of £889,214 (2024: £709,433) was paid to key management personnel for the year ended 30 June 2025. |
| Key Management Personnel for 2025 includes the Chief Executive Officer, Sporting Director, Chief Growth and Innovation Office, Chief Finance and Governance Officer and Head Coach. |
| This follows a management restructure from 2024 which then included Chief Executive Officer, Director of Finance, Director of Football, Director of Commercial, Director of Legal and Governance, Director of Operations and Head Coach. |
| Lincoln City Holdings Limited (Registered number: 07895367) |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - continued |
| for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 |
| 20. | ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY |
| No controlling party. |