Just got back from Northolme- it is so difficult to give opinions on players who have played their first pre season game. More a match training session to improve fitness than anything BUT...
First Game
Shed load of triallists with only Smith, Bolger, JAS, Andrade and Akinde starting.
Adebayo Smith looked extremely lively, very quick and a very nice touch. He played up front with Akinde in the first game (on the left with Bruno on the right)
Big John does what he does- creates problems, chased down defenders and made a general nuisance which really assisted JAS in creating space.
Bruno looked a little off the game today (it was only Lincoln United as well) so there may be something else there pending.
Bolger looked confident and strong particularly in the air.
Triallist at CB with Bolger looked very assured, strong, fast and in control. Haven't a clue who he was though.
The other triallists left me a little "meh"- right back did make some overlapping runs, particularly 2nd half but no-one stood out forme.
2nd game
Full Imps team including Morrell, Payne, Grant, Core back 4 (Toffs, Eards etc), Anderson, Rhead, Chapman with Vickers in goal.
Thoughts?
Chapman is a different player- much more confident, stronger, more skilful. The confidence means he is assured in going forward, some of his longer passes were excellent.
Morrell- on this showing, is an excellent addition. Seemed to have great movement, vision and speed. Liked his play a lot.
Payne- shows glimpses of skill which led him to higher levels and has a great left foot, Always looking to shoot.
Grant- one game, showed what he has potential to do. Quick, skillful etc. Played on the left with Toffs and occasionally they were not quite on the same page as Toffs and Andrade but it was the first game!
Anderson looked fitter and stronger physically- very proactive play throughout. Looked good, Maybe he knows he'll be fighting for his place.
Solid at the back without much really to trouble them.
First time since a long time ago that the gulf in class between us and our non league neighbours has been so evidence. We, against very lower league opposition, oozed class today.
Issues?
No Pett so not sure what that is about?
Not sure where Rheady fits in to the new style then again I'm not sure where Big John does either.
Team need time to build up the relationships which will make overlapping play more fluid,
Ball was moved with zip today- less passages of play across the back 4.
JAS was player of the first game
Morrell controlled the middle and looked player of the second game
Genuinely excited about today BUT next weekend will show how much of the gap we have bridged when the Owls come.
Only disappointment? Probably about 650 Imps fans there today (max)- thought we might see a few more with the new signings.
Thats my views anyway