Ahead of the home fixture versus Bristol Rovers, Mark Kennedy took an overview of several different areas of club life and structure.
You can discuss what Mark Kennedy has said ahead of this match HERE, as well as get involved with our Lincoln City v Bristol Rovers Match Thread!
NEW QUIZ: Bristol Rovers (h): Last Time At Sincil Bank: We have also published a quiz about the last time the two sides met at Sincil Bank, which can be found HERE, or at the bottom of the page!
Upcoming Games: The Imps are entering a busy period of matches with MK explaining that whilst he very much enjoys the training/coaching aspect of his role, he has always loved actual games. “That’s where I get my buzz”.
Although the games will come in quick succession, MK quite deliberately does not look beyond complete focus on only the next game – a process that serves him well.
New Signings: It’s always difficult when players first arrive at a new club; a different environment, out of their comfort zone, away from home. That said the January arrivals have all settled in really well. A major factor within that is a concerted effort by everyone to purposefully make all newcomers very welcome. The pre-existing players appreciate it is something they have all benefitted from.
“I can’t imagine there’s many easier environments to come to”, MK commented before jokingly adding, “until they meet me”.
It had previously been mentioned that Luke Plange was looking to integrate his fitness levels with the remainder of the squad: MK outlining that was mainly being addressed through the Monday to Friday training regime but he also liked to utilise midweek friendlies; especially now there was a bigger squad available to work with. Such a game has been scheduled for a week on Tuesday. Mk was in a position to feedback that Luke is looking really impressive, with the more minutes he can be given the better.
Pathway/Structure for Younger Players: The Imps have racked up impressive game time for younger players, in what is the youngest squad in the league regardless. MK has worked extensively in the world of academy football (and is a big fan of) but also sees a B team model as seen in the case of for example Brentford, as an excellent approach. Essentially all clubs are different and have to determine the best fit for their individual circumstances. That is down to a multitude of factors, not least finance – academies are a very expensive commitment.
The Imps are a very open club, encouraging dialogue and hard conversations. If necessary MK is very happy to give his opinion (and has loosely done so) about the model at Lincoln City but that is not really his remit. As head coach, he has a different and defined role to others within the club, who are better served dealing with the subject.
“I’m a big believer in staying in your lane. Whatever our job title is, stick to it”.
Bristol Rovers: MK had strong views on the 6-3 victory at the Memorial ground earlier in the season. It was a very surreal day. Notwithstanding the six goals, victory (a back-to-back one after playing Derby), and the three points, he was very unhappy with the performance which had been salvaged by a combination of clinical finishing and scoring at a number of very opportune or key moments.
(Aforementioned factors aside) “I hated it, I hated everything about it. I think ultimately if you perform like that, nine out of ten times you lose”.
Relevance of Winning: MK is very mindful of the importance of turning the draws into wins and it is something he is striving to achieve. That said the importance of point accumulation (draws) remains a consideration, not least to avoid damaging knocks to confidence that defeats can bring. It is something he reminds the players of.
Overall MK is satisfied with ongoing progression, “My glass is normally half full, but it’s not a rose-tinted glass either”.
Writer: hulloutpost
MK: "My glass is normally half full, but it's not a rose-tinted glass either."https://t.co/G1VKyTO59J#ImpsAsOne #WeAreImps #BristolRovers
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 11, 2023
