LINCOLN CITY
LAST SEASON
LEAGUE TWO 1st FA CUP Third Round
LEAGUE CUP Second Round TOP SCORER John Akinde (17)
FANFILE GARY HUTCHINSON @Staceywestblog
The big talking point among the fans is Danny Cowley [below] being linked with West Brom and Boro, to name but two. Every year it’s the same.
I won’t be happy unless we stay up. Anything else is an achievement, but our manager won’t see it like that. He’ll want to challenge for the top six. Our key player will be Player of the Year Michael Bostwick – a behemoth, and he knows this level, too.
The best away ground is Portman Road, because we went there at the start of 2017 as a non-league team having a big day out at a big ground, and now we go there as equals.
Did you know that we’re not plastic fans – that’s the accusation levied at us, but at various points in history we have attracted five-figure crowds. The one recommendation for away fans is to see the Bailgate area. It’s beautiful up around the castle and cathedral, and on a warm night has a European feel up there. Our most underrated player is the midfield workhorse Michael O’connor. Look out for Jordan Adebayo-smith, who has torn up the under-18 scene. The pantomime villain will be Evans, Steve. There’s no ‘pantomime’ about it. The opposition player I secretly admire is Manny Monthe at Tranmere – he’s a big lump, but also quick and mobile. He’ll do well in League One. The one change I’d make to the club would be to have a bigger budget. We are a small club in terms of resources, but we’ve got the management to do well and now sell out most Saturdays. If only an investor with a few million quid could see the potential here, we could be Championship level.
The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that Danny Cowley walks on water. Three trophies in as many seasons is unprecedented in our history. He has a certain approach – not long ball, but not tippy-tappy either – and it brings success, which is the important thing. In these parts, he can do no wrong.
If he left... don’t say that. Just don’t. We’ll finish 12th, but if League One is as tight as last season, we could find ourselves pushing into the top half.