hulloutpost
Vital Champions League
Danny Cowley was philosophical following the Grimsby game.
Grimsby - DC has watched the game back and it was clear Imps intensity and energy levels were not there. The build up play was slow and predictable. Imps had really good possession for the first half hour and failed to ask enough questions at a period when Gy. confidence was fragile. Then having allowed The Mariners to score City had to ride out a storm and was pleased to come away with a point in the end which is what the team has to do when it is not playing well. DC wasn't sure if it was a pen. at the time but after reviewing the incident it 100% was and a good decision by a strong referee. Shay McCartan is ok after the blow high up on his shin and the Gy. player should have been sent off for the challenge.
Josh Vickers - Very doubtful for the time being. It is an injury to a different muscle of one of the four in the appropriately named quadricep. He has had a scan and results are awaited and cannot add further at this juncture. It may have an impact on outfield loan options if City need to bring in another keeper. DC suggested they would not be looking to promote the juniors keeper at this time as the plan was to have him train with the first team until he could be loaned out for his personal development.
Squad - DC took the view that people could argue all day over what the best 11 is but he just sees it as excellent competition with very little to choose between the players. His take on it is he will take into account 'horses for courses' based around what he assesses are opposition strengths and weaknesses. The Imps are in the midst of nine games in twenty eight days - a front loaded schedule - but City have a fantastic squad and are ready for it. DC explained the cycle that he goes through during periods of intense consecutive games
Debrief - Learn - Prepare - Keep Players Fit and Fresh.
Bury - They invested heavily in their squad 12 months ago and for reasons possibly around managerial instability it didn't work out. That said they finished last season strongly and have been very impressive away from home - less so at home. They were extremely unlucky at Milton Keynes; also good spells at Forest. DC believes they have several players who are L1 or above quality and should be challenging accordingly this season.
Miscellaneous - Scott Wharton trained fully today and is in a better place. DC is aware it is a night match but wanted parents to let the kids stay up and get as many in as possible. He also urged fans to make the effort to get to the match in similar vein as although 8k tickets have been sold he is mindful a lot of people are away on holiday.
