Danny Cowley was very much looking ahead to next season in League One prior to the Newport County game. In particular, he stressed the importance of fresh investment.
Newport County: The Welsh side have had a fantastic season with two great years of FA Cup runs – Flynn should be the manager of the season with what he has achieved via a very competitive, down to earth bunch of players. They will be highly motivated having a great chance of making the playoffs. It is the toughest place in The EFL to visit for Imps in their ‘dead rubber’ situation, for example, Newport have only conceded 2 league goals at home in 2019. In all DC’s career, this match will be only his 6th dead rubber; the previous 2 with Lincoln have resulted in draws so not a great record. DC has challenged the team to keep goals conceded for the season below 40 and to break the record for away wins in a season throughout the club’s history. Away form has defined the season and DC is making that the cause for the game. He likes tests like this as it enables him to learn about the players. DC will observe league rules about team selection and ensure Imps don’t fall foul of those.
New Contracts: Matt Rhead offers a unique variety and tactical flexibility. A review of home matches indicates that some of the best performances have been when he has started. He is a massive part of the team both on and off the pitch – a great role model for the younger players.
Jason Shackell: Had an option to play in The USA but DC has persuaded him otherwise. He is a winner and in terms of organising the team and quality in possession, Shackell is the best ‘we’ve’ ever had. DC is in discussion with the FA regarding the 4th official incident at Carlisle but having seen it close up in person and on review, DC feels it has been overblown. An appropriate response will be submitted on careful reflection.
Josh Vickers: Make no mistake if it hadn’t been for injury problems JV would already be a Championship player. He is often first pick in training by his peers and his side never loses the training games. The club have worked closely with the medical profession and there is no surgical solution. JV has adapted his kicking technique to reduce the load on his quad and put more through the hamstring. DC has great faith in the medical team and JV as a person to make it happen and is delighted to have extended his contract.
DC is hoping to announce more contract extensions in a few days but the budget will need to be tied down first.
League 1 and the Budget: DC has already started to watch live L1 games to identify the level for next season but make no mistake it will be tough, it always gets harder the higher ‘you’ go. Imps went slightly over budget in January to ensure the promotion and ‘we’ now need to have precise clarity on finances for next season. DC is clear he will continue with a policy of quality over quantity. Ideally he would like a 22 man squad; certainly no less than 20 but he will undoubtedly put quality ahead of numbers. Imps have a good opportunity to sign all three of the loan players namely McCartan, Rowe and O’Hara but City must first find the money as it will be difficult to do so otherwise. DC engaged in some good-natured sparring over whether Imps would benefit financially from the Sean Raggett transfer and expected Norwich promotion. He would not confirm the position but smiled saying it would no doubt be good for all parties.
There is no hiding place budget wise – the club needs new financial investment if it is to be competitive in L1. The club are actively looking to do that. City have benefitted from some financial investment and more so from new directors bringing their business acumen allied with the time given over to the club. Now is the time to step up finances with DC knowing and trusting that everyone at the club will do their very best to make it happen. He never wants to stand still and the directors are aligned with his vision that this should not just be a moment in the history of LCFC but will be a time that Lincoln’s status changes forever. DC has the view that Imps must surely be the most progressive club currently in the EFL when considering the great strides taken in conjunction with such enthusiastic support from everybody connected to the journey – why wouldn’t people want to invest in that?
Writer: hulloutpost
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DC: "We just need someone to see the best in us.":https://t.co/HMe2XnYQVV#NCAFC #Exiles #ImpsAsOne
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