Ahead of tomorrow’s match at Sincil Bank versus Cheltenham Town in League One, which will be refereed by Ben Atkinson, we have done a Q&A with one of their supporters. Thank you to Jon for answering our questions!
QUIZ: How much can you remember about last season’s match versus Cheltenham Town at Sincil Bank? Have a go at the quiz at the bottom of the page!
You can discuss what has been said in this article here, or in the comments section at the bottom, as well as get involved with many other topics on our 100% Imps forum!
How long have you supported Cheltenham Town?
Been reporting on the club for 20 years and watching them for more than 35.
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
Anything 20th or above would be a great achievement. It’s tough for Cheltenham to survive at this level with their limited resources.
Darrell Clarke has just been appointed as your new manager. What are your thoughts on this?
Proven track record, experienced manager and the news has been extremely well-received by supporters. Also seems a thoroughly decent bloke.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
Likely to change dramatically under Clarke. So far this season, it’s been defensive with a focus on counter-attacking under Wade Elliott, which wasn’t working as the goals for column confirms. Caretaker boss Kevin Russell switched from 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2 diamond and tried to introduce more passing, possession-based football last week, playing out from the back and it’s hard to say it worked as they lost 3-0 at home to Stevenage, but he deserves credit for trying something different.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Lewis Freestone has been solid so far this season on the left of the defence and definitely looks capable of playing higher.
One for the future is youth team midfielder Freddy Willcox, who has impressed in his brief first-team appearances so far.
Random fact about your Club?
They have just broken the EFL record for going nine games from the start of the season without a goal.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Cheltenham Town?
Best: Rushden & Diamonds 1 Cheltenham Town 3, April 3, 1999 – huge turning point in the 1998/99 Conference title race and paved the way for the club to turn fully professional and enjoy a long spell in the Football League since.
Worst: Losing 2-1 at home to Alvechurch in the FA Cup first round last season.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top six and which do you think will finish in the bottom four?
Top six: Bolton, Derby, Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers, Peterborough, Oxford United.
Bottom four: Fleetwood Town, Burton, Albion, Northampton Town, Carlisle United.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Well-run club, plenty to admire about the way the club has progressed since 2016. Noisy fanbase and a tidy ground for League One, with a brilliant view of the magnificent cathedral!
What is your prediction for this match?
Cheltenham to score their first goal of the season (finally) and come away with a battling 1-1 draw.
"It's tough for Cheltenham to survive at this level with their limited resources." (Q&A):https://t.co/QbgGyQzmYi#WeAreImps #CTFC
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 29, 2023
