DC: “We expect them to fight really hard”

A summary of today’s Press Conference with Danny Cowley, by Vital Lincoln City member hulloutpost.

Wembley: Proud of the players who showed they could get to their levels under pressure. Players put in 119km return which is the highest this season. Training volume has accordingly been reduced this week but intensity remained high. Young players helped by the experienced ones. Really good experience for everyone including the non-players who were fully involved. The group took great confidence and belief from winning. Pleased to score from the set piece and ploy to deny their flair players time on the ball came off. The celebrations were enjoyed but have been parked until season end. DC enjoyed a take away from TGI Friday and then watched the match back on Sunday night. To see over 27k fans was unbelievable. Not just the number but to see and feel it was amazing. Showed Lincoln to the world.

Squad Fitness: Everybody fit apart from Josh Vickers. 5 games in a fortnight so the squad will come into it. All departments at the club have worked hard together to ensure peak physical fitness with a bit of luck regarding few impact injuries.

Civic Award: With usual modesty DC tried to deflect spotlight away from himself and re-iterated it was a reward for hard work of everybody at the club but was very proud. From day dot one of his aims was to unite everybody and recognised it would be a whole county and city effort. Within weeks he realised how many good people had allegiance and affection for the city and club; commented to Nicky it was unique and they must use that.

Port Vale: Will have watched six of their game videos by Saturday. Tom Pope a handful physically – holds the ball up well and has a goal threat – they get the ball into him quickly. Port Vale have good wide players from both sides who provide great delivery. A different mindset is required from last Sunday and that will be a real test – actions not words. Recalled excellent performances last season such as Solihull on the back of big cup games bringing him the most pleasure and was looking for more of the same mental resilience.

Club’s Future: Had a clear end goal when they came in and a lot of stepping stones have quickly been taken which means the goal posts can now be moved but didn’t specify what. Imagination and interest has been captured and the supporters are now part of the performance not just spectators. Important to keep that going but not get carried away as we need to understand why that success has come about to ensure it is ongoing and not a one-off.

Elliot Whitehouse: Praised his work effort out of the side and incredible fitness when called into the side after non-selection. He had benefited from the tweaks post-Crewe and DC joked a good manager would have brought him in before that.

Miscellaneous: In summer recruitment they realised they had not physically been able to get the players in that they wanted which meant more recruitment in January than ideal but starting to see the benefits of those newer players settling in now. All energy and focus now game by game and no need for targets but pleased with recent clean sheets.

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