Ahead of the trip to Wycombe Wanderers, Michael Skubala was finally able to look ahead to working with new forward line options, having also had the opportunity to begin the process of implementing his own style of play on the squad during the recent enforced break.
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You can discuss what Michael Skubala has said ahead of this match here, and get involved with our pre-match discussion!
Joe Taylor and Freddie Draper: It’s good to freshen up with new faces. Joe Taylor loves to run ‘in behind’ and has the pace to do so. A lot of other clubs were looking to recruit Joe, but Mick Harford and Luton came to watch the Imps in action to ensure that the club would be a good fit for their player. Freddie has a big physical presence and it is apparent how he can cause issues for defenders. The two players have already ‘hit it off’ in training and there will be times for playing two strikers and this could well be the pairing.
“Hopefully adding Joe and Freddie to the line up is going to add some front power if you like”.
Squad Roll Call:
Paudie O’Connor and Danny Mandroiu are still suspended.
Jack Burroughs, Sean Roughan, and Lasse Sorensen are all fit and available.
Freddie Draper and Ethan Erhahon (just) have been training. Ethan has been a big miss given his experience and holding role and he could be ready for Wycombe.
Reeco Hackett will need careful handling due to the long-term injury that kept him out; he may be touch and go for Wycombe.
Tyler Walker and Lewis Montsma remain the longest-term injuries with little prospect of seeing them this season. Whilst Ben House is a little further along, it is still too early to get excited about the prospect of his return.
Jack Moylan is of course now available and has been training hard, MS sees him in the category of being a youngster but he is itching and raring to go, in contention for a start, having an eye for goal – more as a ’10’ than a ‘9’
“I just think it’s been a tough time….you know every club goes through tough moments. We had good opposition with a slim squad. We still tried to go out and do our best to win every game…..It’s always nice to get bodies back; not only improves the squad but also be more competitive for players. I think that’s what’s started to happen which is really nice”.
Squad and Ethos Taking Shape: The players did have a couple of days off during the fallow period but MS has been able to have four solid days of training with the players during which he has started to implement his ideas as to how he wants the side to progress. It is difficult to change extensively mid-season and perhaps the team had been found pressing a bit too high leaving them open to counter-attacks. However, it is about finding a way to be more creative and to get higher up the pitch – areas that have been worked on whilst remembering to remain strong and competitive, in balance. The message is getting across.
MS would definitely like to add some experience to a team that already has good young players, notwithstanding that may need fringe player(s) to be moved along for game time, with a view to coming back in the Summer after a loan.
“Sometimes I think, we always think youngsters playing with youngsters is the way forward, but actually youngsters with experience around them progress even quicker as well for the club”.
Wycombe Wanderers: Having not had a game last weekend MS took the opportunity to watch the Chairboys live versus Burton. Wycombe are a direct team, everyone knows of Sam Vokes’ strength and the side ensure they get strong runners off him.
Writer: hulloutpost
Skubala: "We still tried to go out and do our best to win every game."https://t.co/PGAI44nNfH#Chairboys #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) January 12, 2024
