GARY HUTCHINSON
@ staceywestblog
Last season was disappointing for some. After the play- off final of 2021, many fans expected us to kick on, but injuries decimated our squad and we had a mediocre campaign with some poor home performances. The big talking point is Michael Appleton’s resignation. He left the club within hours of the final game and his successor is the unproven former Birmingham assistant, Mark Kennedy. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is hopeful. Kennedy has no track record, aside from a spell with Macclesfield where little went right, so until we’ve seen his team, all we can do is hope.
Our key player will be Ted Bishop [ above]. He’s so talented. If he plays well in his favoured position, which he didn’t last year, he’ll create and score.
Our most underrated player is TJ Eyoma [ below]. Excellent on loan from Spurs in 2020- 21, he struggled last term. When fit and firing, he’s as good on the right as anyone in this division.
The opposition player who grinds my gears is Sammie Szmodics. Google his dive in our 3- 3 draw with Peterborough in 2021, which got them promoted. Back? Now you understand. I’m least looking forward to playing
Forest Green. I just don’t get what they stand for: green and left- wing on one hand, paying big wages and treating away fans with contempt on the other.
I won’t be happy unless Charley Kendall and Ben House get 30 goals! Kendall scored in almost every game for Eastbourne last season and looks a real prospect; House arrived from Eastleigh in the winter, and when he got a chance, he looked good.
Fans think our owner is the Messiah. Clive Nates joined when the club faced an uncertain future – when Welling at home was seen as a challenging game. Now we’re stable, with great facilities, and we feel like a League One club. The thing my club really gets right is fan engagement. We try to get it right. After we won the National League, our crowds jumped from 2,000 to 9,000 – and that’s still the average gate. The one change I’d make would be our beer selection. If I hear my dad moan once more about the Bud Light…
We’ll finish 15th.
FFT VERDICT
13TH
Following six years that have been largely exhilarating for Lincoln, the five- year contract they’ve handed to new head coach Kennedy – as well as some no- frills recruitment – suggests they’re keen to settle down. The Imps are realistic and will concentrate on steady growth.