Finnigan backs Duff to reach new heights

JOHN Finnigan was at Whaddon Road on Saturday to see his two former sides battle out a 2-2 draw.

The former midfielder, who also captained both clubs, joined Lincoln in the summer of 1998 after a loan spell the previous season, which saw the Imps claim automatic promotion.

He appeared against Cheltenham in the FA Cup in 1998/99 and then in the first four Football League fixtures between the teams for Lincoln.

Finnigan switched to Cheltenham in March 2002 and went on to help the Robins win the 2002 and 2006 play-off finals at the Millennium Stadium under Steve Cotterill and John Ward respectively.

He spent just over two seasons playing with Michael Duff at Cheltenham before his move to Burnley in the summer of 2004.

And he has been delighted to see his old team mate working wonders as manager, with the club lying 14th after this weekend’s game.

“Duffo has been unbelievable for the club,” he said. “Just take a look at the table, with the budget available to him and the injuries he’s had to cope with.

“He really has done a remarkable job and long may it continue.”

Finnigan was also part of Ward’s Robins team that posted their highest ever finish of 17th in League One during the 2006/07 campaign, but he feels that landmark will be surpassed this term.

“I think they’ll do it 100 per cent and I’d actually be disappointed if they didn’t after the start they have made,” he said.

“There have been a few bumps in the road, which has to be expected but the team are doing the club and the town proud.”

Duffo has been unbelievable for the club with the budget available to him and the injuries he’s had to cope with John Finnigan