DC: “I have a lot of respect for Paul Tisdale”

Danny Cowley talks to the press ahead of Saturday’s playoff semi-final first leg at home against Exeter City.

Danny Cowley was in confident and reflective mood ahead of the tie against Exeter.

Playoffs: Imps have achieved their goal for the season. It was harder to get over the line as the target got nearer. With it being over two legs there will be tactical tweaks in the approach. City have made outstanding progress over the last two seasons and are the only club with a chance of back to back promotions. Having been under pressure last week to make the target the shackles are now off. It is really exciting and City will play with freedom, so expect Imps to attack the tie; give it a really good go with the aim of taking a lead down to Exeter. DC quite likes playoff history being against Lincoln as he aims to change that and enjoys breaking records.

Rivals: Respect for the other 3 teams. Notts County around automatic spot all season, Coventry massive club and Exeter have recent experience of the format. Exeter are a model for a self-sustaining club re-investing what they have earned. Tisdale is a top manager and Exeter are so well coached the players are capable of problem-solving on the pitch.

Squad Condition: Players were struggling last week and a number put the team before themselves to their great credit. Imps have got their fair share of injuries and fatigue but so have the other teams and nobody is interested in the reasons why a team loses. Playing nearly 60 games means City have been successful and he is glad to be working in May. Accordingly, DC is only interested in why teams win and replicating it. Eardley and Habergham have trained and is hopeful that Frecklington will be on the grass tomorrow. In light of the injury concerns, DC has been mindful of alternative formations and on-field player relationships during training so they have been worked on if required but he is hopeful that the injury situation will be better this week. Work has gone into mentally preparing the players for big games in addition to drawing on the previous success in a similar status of matches. A mental frame of mind is a personal thing but he wants the players to find their own balance between being underwhelmed and (not) over-aroused.

MacAnthony Comments And Outsiders: MacAnthony has earned the right to tweet what he wants. Other people put Imps success down to luck, money a direct style of play. They are just backhanded comments by invariably unsuccessful people. ‘We’ know the truth. City started the season with the 14th budget in the division. Success achieved by, “Group of people worked relentlessly hard day in day out”, including a monumental effort from backroom staff and supporters. DC does not waste his energy on inaccurate facts or hearsay.

Rallying Call: DC has loved every minute of the last two seasons with it being a pleasure and privilege to be a small part of the success to date. He knows precisely what atmosphere the fans are going to deliver on Saturday as the will within the stadium is a sight to behold. City fans need to enjoy the game, strap in and enjoy the ride.

Writer: hulloutpost

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