Important that players know Imps history - Skubala

Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala says it is important for his players to understand the history of the club, as the promotion-hunting Imps seek to stretch their unbeaten record to 17 games.

The club is enjoying its longest-ever unbeaten run in the third tier of English football.

They have won 12 and drawn four of their past 16 matches to move to within a point of leaders Cardiff, and host Blackpool on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Skubala said he often reminds his players that Lincoln have not played in the second tier of English football since the 1960s and is enjoying the feelgood factor around the club.

"The thing that really excites me is the older generation that has been here through thick and thin and then the three or four-year-olds walking down the high street wearing a Lincoln shirt," he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

"I think that's what's amazing, when everyone is aligned and it's great to see."

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He added: "It's being connected to what's gone before. We have to understand the history of the club and where it's come from and we want to be part of the journey while we have the baton.

"I think it's really important the players understand the history of the club and how much it means to fans."

Lincoln welcome 19th-placed Blackpool to the LNER Stadium on Saturday with the Tangerines involved in an unexpected relegation battle.

"They have some really good individuals and I'm surprised they're down there," said Skubala.

"But I also think it's testament to the strength of the league, every game is tough.

"Everybody can beat everybody. If you're off the gas you get hurt. I think they'll come good and pick up points. We want to carry on our good home form."

At 26, Tom Hamer is the baby of the Imps backline, and says he is relishing learning from the experienced players around him like Sonny Carey, Adam Reach and Tendayi Darikwa.

"I'm coming into my best years," he said. "It's the first season playing with them around you, it's a good thing and I'm learning from them in training and on the pitch."

Lincoln have created a healthy 10-point gap to the chasing pack as they chase second-tier football for the first time since the 1960-61 campaign, but Hamer said the Imps would not be getting ahead of themselves.

"We've got a few lads who have promotions under their belts, but it's taking each game as it comes and if it happens then it comes but it's not something we are speaking about every day," he said.

"Obviously you do think about it because of the position we are in but we take every game as it comes."