Danny Cowley again appeared in a relaxed and confident mood following the hectic transfer window closing this week.
Captaincy: Lee Frecklington was one of several players who put himself forward which is an indicator of how fortunate Imps are to have an abundance of leadership. DC felt it was right for the experienced Lee and local lad to get the role. He expects Lee to bridge the gap between changing room and manager’s office.
Jason Shackell: Wasn’t available at beginning of transfer window but moved quickly after losing Luke. Luckily has the same agent as Ryan Alsop who painted a good picture of the club. He has kept himself fit and it is key having spoken to many people and having met Jason it is apparent how motivated he is to still play. Age is not a problem; massive experience, good communicator, aerially dominant in both boxes; in contention for Saturday.
Joan Luque: Top end technical quality, unbelievable quality for creating, passing and finishing. He is still learning the English game and the demands management put on him without the ball. DC sees something in him and will continue to develop him physically. It is a good deal for everyone – performance based with appearance-based extension triggers.
Harry Anderson: DC was in jocular spirits about the media speculation involving HA. They had spoken at length to him about the matter and laughed when Harry had thrown his ‘Nan under the bus for re-tweeting’ which had caused much banter with his teammates. DC rates Harry unbelievably who is physically incredible, young exciting and still learning the game. Harry loves being at Lincoln and he is more appreciated here than maybe at one of his previous clubs. DC said from the figures bandied about for HA they could add another nought to those.
Transfer Window: DC is pleased the permanent window is shut. Imps have had a brilliant window getting people in and relieved no more are going out. DC explained that every window a team loses players to higher leagues, sides in the same division paying above the odds and players that cannot keep up with the pace of progress at the club. The club is an easier sell to incoming players who have seen the success and some have experienced the SB atmosphere and crowds. DC no longer worries about signing players from a higher level who might have been underwhelmed at playing at a lower level due to the positive SB atmosphere.
Fans: DC appreciates the unconditional support Imps receive and appreciates the intelligence of the fans who realise this is a new team and stay with the side accordingly. It is important to keep up the atmosphere to make it difficult as visiting teams now want to play at SB because of the reputation.
Swindon Town: Massive club, shouldn’t be in this league but they are. An experienced manager, keeper and defenders. They have a number of ball handling midfielders who like to dominate the game through possession. Up top, they have players with pace and mobility.
Miscellaneous: Pitch dimensions have been tweaked to gain the extra per cent but DC didn’t say how. He acknowledged losing players like Luke etc. is a challenge to lower league clubs due to the difficulty of retaining a successful side at this level. The National League squad had resilience, determination and guts in abundance and the club have deliberately targeted players with those qualities to maintain that spirit. DC gave an insight into tactics and formation. DC stated that attitude never changed and had to be ‘never say die’. He decreed that formation was less important as once the game kicked off it was very fluid. More important was the style of play and that required much more hard work with good coaching vital to reduce the time in achieving that process. Style and method of the play adapted according to the players available to the club and his aim was to deliver that in a way that was simple and clear to the players.
Writer: hulloutpost
https://www.facebook.com/bbclincolnshiresport/videos/2051959141504258/
DC: "We're expecting Swindon to be a really good side":https://t.co/is1qVXqYnt#ImpsAsOne #STFC #Swindon
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 10, 2018
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/1805860866116817
