Danny Cowley touched upon the Everton game but was clearly already looking ahead to the visit of Fleetwood Town and what new signing Cameron Connolly adds to the squad.
Everton: The players set new benchmark levels of commitment, discipline and focus against high-quality opponents. The game confirmed that not only do Imps have a very good team but also a high-quality squad. When asked about the performance of Aaron Lewis, DC was very pleased with his performance. He had been up against two very difficult opponents in Iwobi and Digne and supported by Harry Anderson and others had done particularly well.
Fleetwood Town: Due to the schedule, selection will be based around fitness and freshness this weekend. Ellis Chapman is much better after his bout of food poisoning and it was a shame that he wasn’t able to start in midweek. Technical analysis of Fleetwood has highlighted what a very good team they are; one which will be challenging this season having recruited high-end L1 and experienced Championship players this summer. They are top of the XG charts creating loads of chances and DC couldn’t believe they lost to recent opponents Doncaster Rovers having dominated them for so much of their game. DC urged Imps fans to come in numbers with noise. It will be needed on such a short turn around, the players having invested so much emotionally, physically and mentally against Everton. Fleetwood are good all-round side – well balanced with and without the ball. Whilst enjoying good technique and possession abilities, when necessary they can mix it up and go direct due to the athleticism they have.
DC was asked about Joey Barton’s comments whereby the latter had suggested the reason DC had not moved onto manage a higher level club was because of his style of play. With a beaming smile and inscrutable retort DC pointed out that Joey Barton talks a lot. DC dismissed Barton as somebody who has a high profile and extreme opinions so naturally some people are interested in what he has to say. DC’s opinion was (simply) not to be drawn into an opinion on it.
Who Are The League One Managers? No.10: Joey Barton (Fleetwood Town)
Callum Connolly: DC cited several reasons why CC had signed for City; not least Clive Nates relationship with the Everton board. Another significant factor is having the training facility – particularly when it is up and fully running. Callum has been at the club all week and had been impressed with the atmosphere on Wednesday; he couldn’t believe the noise from the Co-Op. Whilst ‘we’ know what a special place SB is to play football, a lot of outside people do not. DC responded to the suggestion that Fleetwood had also been ‘in’ for Callum explaining that the player had been on the DC radar for quite some time, probably longer than Fleetwood’s. There may have been issues about Fleetwood exceeding financial fair play rules over the signing of Ched Evans so perhaps that had been a factor. In any case, Callum had been set to move to a Championship club on Premiership deadline day but for whatever reason, that move hadn’t occurred. He has a fine pedigree having already played Championship football on loan to several clubs so DC was delighted to have been able to land the player at SB.
DC outlined the many fine qualities that CC has. He has excellent technical skill; can receive the ball and pass well. Add to that he can cross and shoot with both feet, is aerially dominant with the ability to arrive late in the penalty area demonstrating athleticism and mobility to provide good pitch coverage. On top of that in the week spent with the Imps, it was already clear the player possesses a top quality attitude and application. Position wise DC revealed that CC is very versatile. When playing for England ‘U’ 21’s CC had appeared in both full-back positions as well as CM. That helped with having a very small squad but he was here first and foremost due to his ability. In short, The Imps are very lucky to have him.
Signings: DC would like one or two more in specific positions but does not anticipate anything until Monday, re-emphasising that he is relying on relationships he has fostered. It will be a case of players not having been loaned for financial reasons, being allowed out for development purposes. DC remains hopeful that he has demonstrated SB is the correct environment to develop and look after players so ‘we’ can be the correct footballing choice in those circumstances.
Martin Allen Anecdote: DC was quizzed about Martin ‘Mad Dog’ Allen’s midweek comments regarding their respective times at Concord and Barnet. MA recalled the match where DC had been at him for the full 90 minutes before going up to him in the bar after the game and telling MA how much he admired him from his time at West Ham. DC chuckled and pointed out that whilst it was right to be fiercely competitive during the game, a the conclusion you just shake hands with the opponent, thank them for the match and move on. MA is great fun and full of energy who happens to be a friend and respected manager by DC. The game was well remembered by DC who explained that you have choices when playing a MA side. If you take a step back you get run over and if you step forward you end up in a fight. Concord didn’t enjoy the same level of support as The Imps so he decided to provide his own from the dugout.
Writer: hulloutpost
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DC: "What we now need to do is use that as a benchmark.":https://t.co/BNed3uoSOf#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #FTFC
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