The 2011-12 campaign was a tumultuous and defining season for Lincoln City as The Imps found themselves battling in the Conference Premier for the first time in a generation, following their relegation from the Football League. The turbulent year saw manager Steve Tilson sacked in October, replaced by David Holdsworth, who ultimately steered the club to a nervous 17th-place finish, narrowly escaping the threat of a second consecutive relegation. Leading the attack was Sam Smith, who netted a crucial 7 league goals before an injury ruled him out for most of the season, marking a difficult first chapter in the club's six-year non-league exile.