Lincoln City chairman looking forward building on relationship with Everton

Lincoln City chairman Clive Nates says facing Everton in the Carabao Cup represents another chance to develop the good relationship between the clubs.

The Imps will host the Merseyside giants – the club Nates has supported since childhood – in the second round in the week commencing August 26.

With the Premier League clubs involved in the Champions League and the Europa League not entering the competition until the third the round, facing the Toffees is the biggest possible game for City.

Just eight months after the sides met in the third round of the FA Cup, the tie is certain to attract a sell-out crowd to Sincil Bank and could be selected for live TV coverage by Sky Sports, which would net the Imps £100,000.

South Africa-based Nates, who was already due to fly over to the UK next week, is naturally thrilled with the draw.

“In any event, I would have been over during that period. If we hadn’t beaten Huddersfield I would have been watching us against Manchester United U21s [in the Leasing.com Trophy],” said Nates.

“Everton are the top-rated side in the second round and are arguably the biggest club at this stage.

“It gives us the best chance to fill Sincil Bank, which will bring us in some money and we’re waiting to see if it’s selected for TV coverage.

“But it’s also a chance to build on the relationship we have with Everton.

“We got on very well with their directors when we met them in January. Here’s another chance to build on the relationship with them.

“We’ll see how it develops and how the relationship may be of benefit in the future.”

The Imps booked their place in round two with an outstanding 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday, despite making five changes to the side which won 2-0 at Rotherham United on Saturday.

“We’ve got a slim squad, with a couple of players injured, so all credit to Danny, Nicky and the team,” said Nates, who watched the first round tie online.

“The performances so far have not only been very good, but very enjoyable.

“And the closing down on Tuesday was fantastic. There was John Akinde making a sliding tackle to set up Harry Toffolo to put in the cross in for the goal. That says everything about the team.”

Despite three wins out of three and no goals conceded so far, Nates and Danny Cowley insist no-one at the club will get carried away.

“Danny is right,” added Nates. “It’s a long season and you can’t take anything for granted.

“Southend [who the Imps host on Saturday] might not have any points, but it will no doubt be a very difficult game. We have to keep our feet on the ground.

“We’re a side which has just come up from League Two and in only our third season back in the Football League.

“We’ve come a long way in a short time so let’s not go overboard at this early stage.”