Lincoln United Football Club began life as Lincoln Amateurs in 1938, just one year before the outbreak of World War Two, and were admitted to the Lincoln League.

By 1951 the club was in a more stable position financially, so much so, that they were able to sign Ray Bean from Football League side Nottingham Forest, offering him a wage of five shillings which was equivalent to twenty-five pence a week.

Name change
However, this action meant that Lincoln Amateurs were no longer amateurs so a name change was required. The obvious choice of Lincoln City had already been taken in 1882 so on a trip to play Sleaford the player’s swapped ideas. It became a straight choice between Lincoln United or Lincoln Rangers; the vote went to Lincoln United.