Danny, Jovon, And The Type Of Fans We Are (opinion)

The following was posted by LA_Imp about Danny Mândroiu, Jovon Makama and recent reactions to their performances, with the former receiving two red cards so far this season versus Burton Albion and Bolton Wanderers in League One.

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Thought I would start a thread asking us to take a look at ourselves and get behind the players a bit more. Recent comments during and after recent matches are the reason for this thread.

First – Mandriou. Arguably our most skilful player, but clearly a player, like most, who can run hot and cold. But let’s look at Saturday. Gets sent off for a challenge due to over-exuberance and a poor decision. Was it petulant – no. Was it born out of malice – no. Was he fully committed and “in” the game and did he overextend himself when a wiser head would have taken a different approach – yes?

Second – Makama. Some of the comments about Jovon are frankly embarrassing. Jovon is a 19-year-old attempting to forge a career as a professional footballer. At the start of the season he was probably 3rd or 4th choice striker but through a series of events has been asked to lead the charge. At times we have seen from Jovon’s pace, strength, and glimpses of a target man that he could one day be. We’ve also seen a player who clearly struggles to fit in currently at this level (at the moment) needs to still work on his touch, and probably gain confidence as he grows into his body. Inevitably, this has led to inconsistency. None of which should be a surprise, nor does the blame lie with Jovon, who should be in the National League bullying defenders and progressing as a player.

The day we start attacking players for trying too hard, making poor decisions out of a legitimate desire to try and seize the game for us, is the day we have to look in the mirror and ask ourselves what sort of fans we really are. And the day we start throwing out criticism at teenage players for not yet having figured out what they are capable of, or for falling short after they have been asked to occupy a role they never expected at this stage of their careers is the day that perhaps we do more harm for our club than help.

As we roll into 2024 and hopefully get some players back, and bring in some quality transfers, let’s just check ourselves a bit and get behind the team, and not throw out unfair criticisms or jibes just because we need a scapegoat. United we will stand, divided we will fall. Peace.

Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!

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