Ahead of the opening home fixture of the season versus Wycombe Wanderers, Mark Kennedy outlined the benefits to the side that recent signing Jack Burroughs will provide individually, and to the team as a whole.
NEW QUIZ: How much can you remember from the last time the two sides met at Sincil Bank? Have a go at our quiz, which can be found here or below the summary!
You can discuss what Mark Kennedy has said ahead of this match here or in the comments section at the bottom, as well as get involved in our pre-match threads: Score Predictions & Starting XI and Predict The Attendance.
Notts County: MK was very pleased with the outcome of the Notts. County League Cup tie. It was a game where he felt comfortable with the team both when they were in possession or without the ball. MK was of the view that the way Notts County played benefitted the style the Imps implemented, notwithstanding if the players hadn’t done well The Magpies could have turned that on its head.
Jack Burroughs: MK has had his eye on the player for some time and is somebody sought after by a number of clubs and is resultingly delighted to have recruited the player.
MK is particularly impressed with Jack’s technical ability with both feet.
“Like incredibly two footed which is unique in modern football”.
Jack adds to his technical skills with good physical attributes and athleticism. His adaptability and versatility (can play a number of roles including both wing-back flanks) was a key factor in the signing. Jack is not coming to the club to sit on the bench which brings a good headache for the head coach.
Jack’s arrival will have benefits for Sean Roughan who MK sees as a left-sided centre-back and wishes to keep him there.
“I think he’s (Roughan) better as a left-sided centre half, I think he feels more comfortable there. I think it will give Sean the best opportunity to maximise himself and see his talent flourish”.
Other Recruitment: MK was particularly forthright about the difficulties in signing another centre back. He said there was no point in beating around the bush. Having lost three centre-backs in the Summer including Lewis (Montsma to injury) it was, and remains a priority.
“That was one of our real priorities but has been very difficult to nail down through no fault of our own; so we would still really be keen to do that “.
However, taken as a whole MK concurred he was very pleased with the position that recruitment finds itself in.
Wycombe Wanderers: The Chair Boys are effectively one of thirteen clubs in League One having new managers installed, which taken into consideration with there being seven fresh clubs within the division highlights how difficult it is to know what the approach of many clubs will be at this time.
Following their defeat against Exeter, MK realistically does not know how that will impact the philosophy and approach of the Wycombe manager. ‘They’ played more football (than previously) against Exeter but time will tell if they stick with that approach; they do have a number of alternative player options at their disposal.
Home Form: Quite obviously the key to success is winning and there is a school of thought is that it is easier to win at home than away; regardless it is still very hard to do so. MK was impressed with the home record last season even if some journalists (not within the club itself) were somewhat negative to the number of draws. Looking back MK feels at no point did the Imps achieve any undeserved results at the LNER.
Re-connecting With The Fans: Interaction with the fans is something MK has missed over the summer and he reaffirmed the importance of that reconnection. It was a stand-out feature of last season and undoubtedly got the Imps over the line in a number of games. It is worth noting the relevance, in particular when fielding a young side. The alternative is what he witnessed at Elland Road last night when it became very edgy after Leeds fell behind to Shrewsbury.
MK signed off by linking into the draw against Sheffield United for the forthcoming second-round League Cup tie.
“I thought it was an outstanding draw, a Premier League club, it’s a great club, hugely supported. So hopefully there will be a big crowd on the night. I know with it being; with the way our fans support us, but it certainly helps that it’s nearer. I’m sure we’ll have a huge following. In all the years I’ve been involved in football, Bramall Lane is a special place, it will be a great night for everybody”.
Writer: hulloutpost
MK: "I think he's better as a left-sided centre-half."https://t.co/3GfhwHOAHB#WeAreImps #Chairboys
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 10, 2023
