Previewing the forthcoming fixture at Forest Green Rovers, Mark Kennedy provided some very clear updates pertaining to three current Imps players before sharing some very warm accolades for one former Imps icon.
Match Thread: Forest Green Rovers v Lincoln City
We have also published a quiz about the last time the two sides met at The New Lawn, which can be found HERE, and there is also another 15-question quiz at the bottom of this article! Have a go at both and share your results on Twitter if you’re on there!
Form and Anomalous Results: MK is pleased with recent results. Whilst some people may be results orientated, he is committed to the process and sees the results being linked to that, over several months work. He has no idea why the Imps have struggled to win more games against teams lower in the league but does feel it is a genuine reflection of a narrower gap between L1 outfits, than say Premier League teams where there are more distinct groups of sides.
“Our results against the top ten has been very, very impressive and our results against the bottom has been ok. I don’t think it’s been bad, but there’s no particular, specific reason”.
Forest Green Rovers: The upcoming opponents have been playing with a mid-block set up recently; looking to keep tight distances together and across the back four. MK anticipates the time will come when they need to win games but when and how they go about that, is of course a call for their manager. They may feel they can ‘stay in games’ and look to achieve by keeping things tight.
MK is mindful of former Imps Jamie Robson and Jordon Garrick, with the abilities they possess. It would not be appropriate to set up a game plan simply based around those two players that he has knowledge of. The reality is that MK knows everything about FGR and does not doubt that they in turn will have done their jobs to know everything about Lincoln. So as per is usually the case, the majority of match preparation has focussed on about how ‘we’ play.
Detailed Player Status Updates: Adam Jackson will miss some games in the short term but by coming off straight away versus Portsmouth there is every chance he has prevented it becoming a long-term injury. AJ had been ‘feeling’ a hamstring before the Derby fixture but had come through all the tests to put in an outstanding performance in that match. The process had been repeated for the Portsmouth clash but for a different muscle namely his calf.
“It’s a shame because he’s been outstanding for us this year. For me and probably some of the other coaches he’s been arguably our player of the season”.
Unfortunately, the prognosis for Joe Walsh is not so positive. Having struggled for some time with a groin issue that will not settle down in spite of the work he has put in with the physios. Resultingly the player has now had an operation and will be out for several weeks.
MK described the situation as being a real shame as he is a big fan of JW who he sees as one of the toughest players he has worked with – a hard man on the pitch and a gentleman off it. Through no fault of his own JW has suffered this season which is as equally frustrating for coach and player alike. JW trains properly, works hard, looks after his body, and is in great shape but sadly his body has let him down despite his best efforts.
MK acknowledged he had gone from defensive riches to headaches in a short period of time, ruefully adding that is the life of a coach. However, the situation does not detract from the effectiveness of the team. Whilst it is generally true the type of players available dictates the shape a team deploys, MK feels that the Imps now have the strength of the squad which allows for flexibility, enabling several formations to be utilised.
There was better news regarding another long-term absentee, Matty Virtue (Thick). The midfielder will be training from next week and whilst he will not feature in the next two fixtures, thereafter he will not be too far off.
MK had words of praise for MVT and went so far as to say he would like to make the player a permanent signing. MK is pleased with all of his loan players but recognises that they are at different stages of their career, so some like Jack Diamond for example is likely to be outside ‘our’ parameters. On MVT: “He’s been a really successful loan for us. It’s not just what he brings on the pitch but how he is off the pitch, in around the dressing room, brilliant leader, brilliant character, brilliant person and he’s definitely somebody (even though results have been fantastic) we have missed…..He’s on a free end of year and would love to sign him”
MK was quick to temper that pronouncement by pointing out that MVT may have other options that he absolutely should consider as to whatever is best for himself and family. If a Championship club should make an offer that may be more attractive to the player. Even so, MK still sounded upbeat about the possibility of capturing MVT permanently. “I’ve no doubts whatsoever he’s enjoyed his time here and we’re a club he’d be really keen to continue his relationship with”.
Gareth Ainsworth: MK reserved a glowing appreciation for the ever-popular former Imp Gareth Ainsworth following news of his recent appointment to the QPR hot seat. MK revealed the two men had been part of the same set-up for a season earlier in their careers extolling what a truly impressive ‘guy’ GA is. MK described GA as a gentleman and ‘you’ won’t meet a nicer guy. MK suspects Ainsworth may have turned down several other job offers previously but now sees the Rangers job as the right time to progress his career; with MK really pleased he has been given that chance. “I think if anybody deserves this opportunity he does”.
MK: "It's a shame because he's been outstanding for us this year."https://t.co/JXa26O0eXn#WeAreFGR #ImpsAsOne #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 25, 2023
