Danny Cowley presented as buoyant and energised in what by his standards was a short press conference, ahead of the match up with Southend United on Saturday.
Huddersfield Match: It was a brilliant opening 35 minutes of high energy combined with an aggressive press which prevented Huddersfield from getting inside The Imps penalty area thereby allowing City to enjoy the tactical advantage as a consequence. Huddersfield did come into the game for the last ten minutes of the half so the only criticism would be that Lincoln didn’t take one of the chances created during that period of superiority. A couple of tactical tweaks at half time enabled Imps to get back on the front foot. Huddersfield closed the game with five or so regular Premiership players from last season so DC was delighted with the victory. The players that came in to the side demonstrated how they were in the right place both mentally and physically providing plenty of food for thought.
Everton Tie: DC smiled with glee when confirming that Clive Nates has confirmed the Everton income will be made available for squad strengthening on one proviso – the game is a sell-out. DC encouraged all to get their tickets bought early. There is potential for this to be a 60 game season and the current squad depth is not sufficient to cope with that so it is essential to strengthen.
Defensive Insight: DC provided his thoughts on the number of consecutive clean sheets already this season; taking a broader view. Last season the XG against was the best of the 72 clubs in The EFL but Imps were on the receiving end of some exceptional goals so got poor value for that. Conversely both Huddersfield and Rotherham failed to score in spite of creating some good openings so Imps have had good value. Therefore DC judges this aspect on the number of chances conceded. That said ‘we’ pride ourselves on defensive work and instilling good principles without the ball. The keepers have made some good saves and defending has been a collective effort from the whole 11. DC praised the players for the clean sheets reminding people that it is always about what the players do to earn those clean sheets and points.
Player Situation: TP and LF remain the only mid to long term injuries. Alex Bradley isn’t injured and may have potentially been going on loan so wasn’t risked in midweek. That move may still happen but DC remains watchful of squad depth. Joe Morrell was confirmed as having an asthma issue probably triggered by the change in temperature (inside to outside) at Huddersfield. This has been a lingering issue for which medical advice has been sought to get to the bottom of and hopefully it is now resolved. The return of key player JS is most welcome – it has felt like a prison sentence whilst he has been ‘out’. DC will continue to prepare the players with the best opportunity to perform 3 matches a week whilst allowing for the size of the squad.
Southend United: DC played down the tag of Imps being favourite for this game. Though he took that as a compliment DC highlighted the recent respective history of both clubs so doesn’t necessarily share that outlook. DC is delighted to welcome back Theo Robinson and will remain forever appreciative of what he did in his short spell at Lincoln, having been ‘gutted’ to lose him to Southend on the transfer deadline day. DC noted that The Shrimpers benefit from having a manager who has knowledge through the divisions. Southend have an experienced spine blended nicely with young academy players that he knows well having produced a number from his time at Fitzwymark School. DC is very keen to get on the right side of the result as he is expecting pelters otherwise from his former pupils many of whom are Southend fans. Albeit Saarfend have had a difficult start that only emphasises the high standard of L1 – they would be at the top of L2. They had a good result in The Carabao Cup v Stevenage having more than matched their opponent’s front foot aggressive style.
Writer: hulloutpost
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Who Are The League One Managers? No.20: Kevin Bond (Southend United)
DC: "We expect Southend to be a really tough challenge for us.":https://t.co/0kkps9Qk3i#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #Blues
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 16, 2019
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