Who Are Ya? - Fleetwood Town (Q&A)

The last time The Imps played today’s opponents Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium was on Saturday 17th October 2020. This match finished 0-0.

Ahead of today’s match, we have done a Q&A with a Fleetwood Town supporter, so thank you to Christopher for answering our questions!

If you would like to get involved with the conversation on 100% Imps, you can join our Fleetwood Town v Lincoln City Match Thread! Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!

How long have you supported Fleetwood Town?

A few months ago marked 15 years since my first Fleetwood game. A 2-0 win over Witton Albion if the North-West Counties Premier League Premier Division.

Where did you finish last season?

A comfortable 15th in the end, after a very brief flirtation with the relegation zone.

What do you think of your manager?

After Simon Grayson’s ill-fated tenure came to an end, ex left-back, and our academy coach Stephen Crainey has been given the job until at least the end of the season. He’s done better than Grayson, but we still have the same issues under him, and for me, the jury is still out over giving him the job on a full-time basis at the end of the season.

What were/are your hopes and expectations for the 2021/22 season?

With a view to being more sustainable in the long run, we’ve lost a lot of our highest earners from seasons gone by, with a view of more recruiting from the non-league and our development squad. While this is an admirable approach in the long term, it has meant a very weaker squad this season. We saw that in August, and the hope was just to avoid relegation.

One(s) to watch?

Paddy Lane. A non-league recruit from Hyde, he’s more than stepped up to the plate, becoming our main source of goals this season. Quick, skilful and a wand of a left foot, I can see him being another one who will move on for more than a million pounds, like our former centre back James Hill, now at Bournemouth.

Which teams do you think will finish in the top six in League One?

While it’s tempting to think Sunderland might miss out given their form as of late, I’m going to keep the top 5 as it is and switch out Plymouth for either Oxford or Ipswich. Ipswich were my pick to win the league at the start of the season so the least they can do is make the play-offs.

Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom four in League One?

I think it might come down to the last day, but I’m going to go with the current bottom 4.

What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?

I knew last season you had a lot of reliance in some of the loan signings which is why I didn’t put you down as play-off contenders this season. But I didn’t expect you to be this low down. Think you’ll comfortably stay up though. Good ground, passionate fans, and an enjoyable away day even if we’ve lost on both occasions I’ve been.

What do you think the score will be?

The last time I did this, I predicted a 2-1 win for Lincoln. It went the other way and started a mini-run of form for us last season. Hoping for lighting to strike twice I’ll say the same again.

Random fact about your Club?

A couple of months ago, we joined the Man City group in owning multiple football clubs in different countries. Western Cape Fleetwood Football club in South Africa, and Fleetwood United FC in the UAE.

If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?

Anthony Scully. Quality player who is only 22 and will surely go on to play at a higher level, I’m sure. We’ve been very thin on the ground in midfield at times this season, and I think having Scully in there would feel like two players.

What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Fleetwood Town supporter?

I think I put the proudest moment as the Vardy season of 2011/12 last time, and I don’t think that’s changed. Put us on the map for arguably the first time ever, and since the last time I did this, Vardy has added an FA Cup to his honours. At this point, the bonuses we’ve earned from him are probably than the transfer fee at this point.

My most embarrassing moment was this season, at Accrington Stanley early in December. Awful result on the pitch, worst allegations involving Fleetwood fans off it. Claims of racism and fighting locals in Accrington’s town centre, damage to the toilets at the ground and someone spat at a player. Feels like the return of fans has brought about the return of the football morons in and amongst them, and that’s included us as well.

Who would you say is your most underrated player?

Carl Johnston (Not to be confused with Callum Johnson). Another from the youth setup who hasn’t looked out of place in League 1. Mainly a right-back/ right wing-back, he’s actually operated as a left-winger on a couple of occasions this season. Often gets overlooked what with Morris and Lane doing well.

Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?

We have a new Supporters Trust since my last Lincoln Q&A. Miles better. A lot more offers, and has resulted in a lot better communication from the club.

Which was your favourite match involving Fleetwood Town?

Fleetwood 2-1 Alfreton in the 2009/10 Conference North Play-off final. After being ridiculously denied automatic promotion (And by extension the title (by virtue of Farsley Celtic going bust (Playing records against them expunged mid-way through the season, Southport lost 1 point, we lost 4), we bounced back to win the play-offs. The final was at Highbury, and I think it’s one of the best home atmospheres we’ve ever had.

Which was your least favourite match involving Fleetwood Town?

Probably away at Accrington from this season again.

Do you have a Former Players Association at Fleetwood Town?

Yes. Every month at our training complex there is a meeting for some of the players from the 60s, 70s and 80s. There’s looking to be a charity match at the end of this season involving some of our more recent players.