Danny Cowley reviewed the challenges of the pre-season preparations and previewed a busy opening month ahead of the game with Accrington Stanley.
Pre-Season: DC was unaffected by all the speculation pertaining to his future as he always knew where his focus was. It had probably unsettled the supporters more. This has been the most difficult pre-season to date with recruitment proving to be challenging but DC remains patient. He noted there was lots of speculation by people who ‘don’t know’ but he is aware where we are short and a number 9 and defensive cover remain a priority. Getting JG and JP in on free transfers was unbelievable business for the club. People keep telling him that he has plenty of midfielders but DC countered that injuries (TP, LF and MOC), youngsters (AB and EC) along with JP really being a forward has to be taken into account.
In an ideal world, his preference going into pre-season was to base recruitment around having a really experienced defence. Younger, energetic and vibrant players to fill the positions where running is required; the aim being to develop those players personally and as an asset for the club going forward. DC has been looking to develop two formations albeit injuries and being a couple of bodies short has impacted on that to a degree – getting the balance between offensive and defensive players in particular. However, DC did not dwell on the challenges, pointing out that many clubs have disrupted preparations for a multitude of reasons. One positive has been the opportunities afforded to the younger players. EC has started most matches and that will benefit so many aspects of his game. JAS has ‘brought the game to life’ particularly off the bench and his physical attributes have been noted. AB has an incredibly bright and energetic game providing a positive impact on all the matches he has played. The young players have done great.
The Return to L1: DC was aware that the last time The Imps had a successful L1 (level) campaign was in 1984/85 so it has been a long time coming for everyone at the club. The supporters have earnt the right to look forward to the season with excitement and enthusiasm so they can leave the anxiety and worrying to DC whom rest assured will be doing everything possible to get on the right side of a successful season. Be under no illusion though that this season will test the capacity of the football club – 26 months ago Imps were starting in NL. To be on terms with Ipswich, Sunderland, Rotherham and Portsmouth is an amazing achievement for the club. So we go into the season facing our toughest battle to date and we need to stick together side by side. It will require spirit and togetherness; not just the players and management but the whole city, county and community. Luckily DC has faith in the people of Lincoln and knows in adversity they will stand by ‘us’. That loyalty and support will ensure the team comes through the experience in a positive way.
A busy start to the Season: With 9 games in the first month DC recognises he needs some more players quickly; wanting a squad of 20. Although ideally he would have liked the younger players to go on loan and train with the Imps twice a week in conjunction with the recall option for Checkatrade games, DC hinted that due to squad size he was flexible on that approach. DC was perplexed at the timing of the Man Utd fixture making it clear that it had been forced on the club but it was best he did not comment further. Similar to the first season back in L2, DC would like to take the Checkatrade competition seriously so with Imps needing numbers in the squad this next period will define ‘us’.
Accrington Stanley: John Coleman has done an amazing job at a fantastic club with a unique character. DC is impressed with how the Accrington Chairman speaks about his club and with regards to footballing issues in general. Accrington finished the season strongly, cementing their place in L1 which was a bigger achievement than winning the L2 Title. They have some really good players, particularly in offensive areas. LF is recovering well but is about 3 weeks away, Tom Pett picked up a minor issue with his knee ( v Forest) and DC is waiting on a few others in addition to JS suspension. It had been good to ‘get some minutes’ into MB this week.
Law Changes: DC responded to a prompt regarding the recent changes to the laws of the game. He stated that going into the season the clubs were receiving conflicting advice from different governing bodies about how the laws were going to be interpreted and implemented. Benfica had recently taken a goal kick which had been flicked up and headed back to the keeper and depending on which ‘body’ you spoke to was either acceptable or an indirect free kick to the opposition. The goal kick has a dramatic effect on how a team sets up and not having clarity on the law 48 hours ahead of the season start is not acceptable and people should be held to account. Those responsible should think through the ramifications of law changes carefully.
Writer: hulloutpost
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DC: "It will be that loyalty and their support that I believe will allow us to come through this experience."https://t.co/4SPP0XMaUG#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #ASFC
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 1, 2019
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