Following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home against Bristol Rovers in Sky Bet League One, we asked our members what three things they learned from the match.
Here’s what Scotimp said:
1. Unfortunately, Jamie McCombe has failed the job interview. This game should have been three points in the bag – with all due respect to Bristol Rovers, it was not the most challenging game with which to start the post-Cowley era. A side that had not conceded a goal at home this season lost to a side that had not scored away. The decision to take off top scorer Tyler Walker when a goal down at home was extraordinary. His post-match interview was uninspiring and typical of every other manager. I hope he stays with us in some capacity, but that should be the end of that.
2. Stop pratting about with the ball at the back. This very recent tendency in football to play out from the back may work for a side as talented as Barcelona, but it is patently absurd in League One. Jack Payne has been criticised for conceding possession around his own area, but he is not responsible for the team tactic. Please, please, pretty please, stop it right now. This is League One, not the Champions League. Logic suggests that you are far more likely to score a goal if you get the ball into the opposition’s half, and far more likely to concede a goal if you pass it gormlessly along your own eighteen-yard line. Wakey-bloody-wakey.
3. It is vital that we get the new manager in position as soon as possible. Whilst it is imperative that we get the appointment right, the fact that we have had a succession plan in place for three years should shorten the process significantly. Momentum is being lost, and it is far harder to regain momentum than to maintain it.
Did you go to the match on Saturday? Don’t forget to Rate The Players, Vote For Your Man of The Match, Rate The Ref and share your views on our Match Thread!
And here’s what Chimpimp said:
1. Timing and luck are important factors in success. For some, this was Jamie McCombe’s chance to stake his claim. A 1-0 win in difficult circumstances and the “you are only as good as your last game” proponents would have been backing him. But Jamie’s luck was out, as the timing of the EFL’s appointments committee’s decision, to inflict Carl Boyeson on to the occasion, proved.
2. The new manager has some decisions to make on the playing style. Calls for 2 upfront and an end to “tippy tippy” football are popular amongst some. How this fits in with the squad we have I am not sure. Walker and Akinde upfront would mean no Jack Payne. It would mean a battle for second balls in midfield often in the air, which Morrell, Grant and co are not suited for. This stretching of the game would also put us more at risk from pacy counter-attacks which our defence is not well suited to cope with.
There is nothing wrong with route one but this squad are not suited for it.
3. Limbo is no substitute for leadership. The methods of the Cowleys were on show yesterday but their absence left everyone feeling uneasy. A new manager with a clear and distinct new personality for people to redirect their hope and faith in, will get us looking forward.
Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!
"This game should have been three points in the bag – with all due respect to Bristol Rovers."https://t.co/vc9drYTh4p#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #BristolRovers
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 16, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2407310545971843
