Tom Shaw was full of positivity ahead of his first home game in charge versus Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.
QUIZ: How much can you remember last season’s match between Lincoln City and Charlton Athletic at Sincil Bank? Have a go at the quiz at the bottom of the page!
You can discuss what Tom Shaw has said ahead of this match here, or in the comments section at the bottom, and get involved with many other threads on our 100% Imps forum!
Fleetwood Town: Five pm on Saturday evening was a terrific feeling after everybody had committed so much in the three-day run-up to the fixture.
Team Shape: Whilst there had been a midfield three on Saturday there will be game-specific decisions based around that (formation). The framework is more to do with certain roles such as making sure the side is defensively secure without the ball but equally in a position to counterattack when in possession. That was evident against Fleetwood and the aim is to repeat that but be even better at it.
TS is trying to instil behaviours and mindset into the players -composure with the ball, calmness and confidence, “If a ball is given away that’s on me. I’m asking ‘you’ (players) to be a bit braver with the ball at times. Not silly and not fluffy with it, but just have a little more composure in certain situations”.
That approach had been on display during the first half at Fleetwood, implemented well by the goalkeeper and three centre halves enabling good match control, territory and dominance. The challenge is to take that on against good sides who dominate the ball without losing sight of the ‘other stuff’ that will win the game.
Individual Players: Reeco Hackett will be having a scan on his hamstring tear, nothing further to add about the period he will be missing until those results are known. Jovon Makama came on and did well, it was a good experience for him towards his development.
It wasn’t possible to get Jack Vale into the game at Fleetwood due to the circumstances of the match and his load limitations (post-injury). Having said that he has had several more days of recovery time and training sessions since the weekend, so now it is just about making sure he is deployed intelligently to maximise a game plan. TS encouragingly added that Jack has been noticeable in training.
“You can see what he’s all about and I think the supporters will love him when he gets on the pitch. He is a Lincoln City footballer with his traits and behaviours and the stuff that everybody will get behind”.
Michael Appleton’s Charlton Athletic – TS has huge respect for MA, somebody who is a very good coach and personally TS was treated brilliantly by the former Imps Head Coach, learning immensely by having the opportunity to watch MA close up. Whilst Michael has ways of working and setting up there is flexibility within that.
Charlton provide a very good challenge as they have players that complement the way Michael plays plus they have clicked leading to good form/results. That is something that has been discussed, notwithstanding there has been massive discussions within the Imps camp how ‘we’ can get after them, “….but the feeling, the meeting this morning from players and staff was bring it on”.
TS reflected on the match being the first under his temporary tenure at the LNER and it is something he is relishing.
“We’ve got an opportunity to blow the roof off the LNER. I know how the supporters will be; I’ve seen these nights under the lights. The efforts of the players at the weekend have earned a big backing from the supporters. Hopefully there’s big numbers there”
Sincil Bank (LNER) is undoubtedly a tough place for anybody to come to if the team give the fans something to get behind.
Writer: hulloutpost
Tom Shaw: "I think the supporters will love him when he gets on the pitch."https://t.co/1UDmGxo1Br#WeAreImps #CAFC #Charlton
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) October 23, 2023
