Imps News

JM: “The most pleasing thing for me was the character of the players.”

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Jamie McCombe was delighted with the second-half performance at Rochdale and confirmed that he along with Andy Warrington will be in charge for the Oxford United match on Saturday afternoon.

(Please note there were some technical issues at the presser with some of the footage now seemingly disappeared. As a result some of the summary is from memory – having watched it live – and I apologise for any slight errors as a consequence):-

Rochdale: The second half performance was excellent gaining a well-deserved point which warranted a win based on the game after half time. JM was proud of the players who showed their commitment to one another, effort, willingness to work, character, fight to the end in combination with some excellent individual performances. The second half game plan was executed to the letter after a few tweaks at half time enabling Imps to initially gain a foothold leading onto domination of possession. Statistically, it was the second-highest team aggregate running return for the season. Under the current circumstances, the players had delivered the standards, focus, resilience and grit asked of them (before the game). He was pleased for all concerned with the players and himself buoyed by the performance. It is important to take that confidence forward into Saturday’s match and run with it.

Oxford: JM and Andy Warrington will take charge for the game with their full focus on it; currently reviewing a lot of Oxford footage. Oxford are typical of the default L1 style this season with many clubs deploying free-flowing expansive football. The style is much less direct in L1 than seen previously in L2. JM has a theory that clubs at L1 level may partly be employing this style in order to showcase talented young players with a view to seeing what they can do before selling them on for good money. Rob Dickie is an example of a technically gifted, cultured, ball-playing but less physical style player and hinted that the combativeness and directness of Lincoln when he was on loan here maybe did not suit his style but JM always felt he was going to be a good player.

Who Are The League One Managers? No.14: Karl Robinson (Oxford United)

Injuries: JM addressed the injury situation at the club. In terms of recently injured players like MB and JG he was tight-lipped and would only comment they were ‘close’. All of the long term injured players were progressing; at different stages but positively nonetheless although Ben Coker still remains some way off. When those players are getting back to full fitness Jez George and others will ensure some behind closed door friendlies are arranged to complete the rehabilitation process. JM seemed particularly pleased with what he had seen from Jake Hesketh who has trained all week. He observed that he had been very impressed with Jake who is looking an excellent player.

Writer: hulloutpost

Jamie

Posted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire Sport on Thursday, 19 September 2019

Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!

Posted by Vital Lincoln City on Thursday, 19 September 2019

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