Imps News

DC: “You can definitely see those qualities in his team.”

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Image for DC: “You can definitely see those qualities in his team.”

Danny Cowley issued a clarion rallying call ahead of Saturday’s home game against Milton Keynes Dons in Sky Bet League Two.

Call to Arms: DC took a moment to recall Imps recipe for success over the past couple of years and identified that it was a result of everyone at the club pulling together and contributing as one. Against Crawley, everyone was flat – players, staff and fans. Expecting much more from the players and looking forward to Imps fans cranking it right up to give the opposition a proper welcome to SB with lots of real energised emotion. What makes Imps fans best in the division is unique unconditional following that doesn’t require the team doing well to drive the support. Even more important to raise the support now that City are top and wants to make SB the most difficult place for teams to visit.

Training: It has been a productive week with good spirits prevalent. Still, early days for this squad and quick-fire fixtures at the start of the season don’t allow much time for productive training as the emphasis is on recovery. The last two weeks have allowed Imps to work on tactics including transitions of play, re-starts, patterns in and out of possession. Quality training at the excellent facilities will allow City to identify the best style of play for the personnel and the best partnerships within that framework. On Tuesday there was a full behind closed doors match against Chesterfield for those players lacking game time.

Fitness: DC was brimming with good news on the injury front confirming that he expected Neal Eardley who had been ‘close’ last week should be available Saturday. Furthermore, the squad injury front is probably the best it has been since the start of the season. He then dropped in the welcome news that Josh Vickers player 75 mins. against Chesterfield and had trained without reaction thereafter – available for selection Saturday.

Mental Health: DC responded to the week’s highlighting of mental health issues. He spoke of the pastoral approach employed at the club and how important it is to treat people as individuals due to the pressurised and emotionally stressful environment of the football world with so many highs and lows. Players are observed carefully to identify what makes them tick, motivates them as this gets the best out of the players but also to provide help and support for any flaws and weaknesses. DC noted a couple of players had struggled in his time at the club and it is a good thing that problems can now be addressed in an open and positive atmosphere.

Saturday’s Opposition: Have a very strong squad – this time last year would have been looking towards The Championship let alone L2. Although they have another tricky away game on Tuesday the opposition will no doubt have the strength to manage that as managers tend to plan for back to back games rather than approach matches in isolation. DC once more spoke of his admiration for Paul Tisdale and is amazed that after building Exeter into the club it is today over such a long time that he has not managed at a higher level. He is surprised that some at Exeter don’t appreciate the bigger picture; perhaps one day they will. Saturday’s opponents will be very pragmatic seeking to utilise low-risk strategies. They will fill ‘space’ on the pitch and look to make very few mistakes. It is important therefore for City to remain patient. Playing against Paul Tisdale is like a game of chess where you have to ‘keep your wits about you’ as he will try to draw you in. It is important to plan really well to anticipate all eventualities and necessary contingencies.

Writer: hulloutpost

Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley Press Conference

Posted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire Sport on Thursday, 20 September 2018

Posted by Vital Lincoln City on Thursday, 20 September 2018

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