Eight simple words that emanated from the mouth of Lincoln City’s Irish ace Danny Mândroiu ahead of his return from a three-match ban, perfectly encapsulated the tension that had been brewing between himself and Mark Kennedy, which ultimately led to the demise of the former Imps boss.
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Kennedy’s condemnation of the 25-year-old following his sending off in the 1-0 home defeat to Burton on October 14, raised eyebrows among many City supporters, and ultimately the Imps board, who decided to dispense with his services four days later.
They cited a number of issues and not all football-related – despite a run of just two wins from nine games – with chief executive Liam Scully admitting that Kennedy’s denunciation of Mandroiu was one of a number of factors that brought them to their decision.
When asked by Radio Lincolnshire’s Rob Makepeace if Kennedy “had a point” with regards to the comments he made live on air in the aftermath of the Brewers loss, which included lines like “I hope this teaches him a lesson” and “he needs to change his mentality”, the response from Mandroiu was very telling.
“No, I don’t agree with any of it,” was his blunt response as he gave a wry smile.
He then opted out of a tit-for-tat, declining the chance to have a swipe at the departed Kennedy, who oversaw 73 games in his Imps tenure in the hot seat.
“[His comments] were a surprise to me, personally, but I’m not going to go on camera and start saying he’s this, he’s that,” he went on.
“It’s football, he has his opinion. He can say whatever he wants so I’m not going to do that.”
Mandroiu, though, did admit the episode left him with a point to prove and, not only with regards to Kennedy’s comments, but the fact his recklessness on the pitch got him sent off and left his teammates with an uphill struggle, one they failed to get to grips with as the lost their unbeaten run at Sincil Bank.
In his absence, City have taken seven points from nine under interim boss Tom Shaw, but following three tough games in a week, changes are afoot against high-flying Oxford United on Tuesday night, with the former Shamrock Rovers star set for an immediate recall to the starting XI, while loanee frontman Jack Vale is also pushing for a first start.
“I know I’ve had a good start of the season – it’s just that that one that one tackle that makes me look a little bit bad,” he said.
“But I’m here to not prove people wrong, but to prove people right. I’ve had a good start to the season so now let’s just kick on again.”
He had begun by saying: “I just want to apologise for my tackle and letting the supporters down and I’ve already apologised to my teammates.
“There was no malice in the challenge, I just tried to get the ball and unfortunately I didn’t get the ball so, yes, I learned from it and I’m back now. I’m buzzing to get going again.
“There’s a new energy to the squad. The players in the dressing room are so talented and I think you’re seeing that now with how we’re playing and how we’re building up from the back.
“Hopefully I get back in the team and and show what I can do.”
Mandroiu hailed the pending arrival of fellow countryman Jack Moylan, who will be joining the Imps in January, from Shelbourne.
The 22-year-old scored a hat-trick for Shels, his second treble of the season, as his current side beat UCD 3-2.
“We’re kind of taking over a bit aren’t we, but yes I’m excited to see him,” he said in reference to the number of Irish players joining City. “I’ve never actually played with Jack, but I know his ability, so I’m looking forward to playing with him.
“We’ll help Jack in whatever way we can and we’ll be there for him if he needs us, but I’m sure with his talent and his ability, he’ll fight right in.”
Writer: The Imposter
Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!
Danny Mândroiu: "I've had a good start to the season so now let's just kick on again."https://t.co/eyf3v0QnJY#WeAreImps #OUFC #Oxford
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) October 30, 2023
