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Vital Champions League
There was a lot to cover today - Swindon aftermath, new players, the future of existing players, Spygate and oh yeah something about one of the oldest Derbys in the history of world football:-
Swindon - DC hadn't changed training as a result of the exertions at Swindon. He didn't see the experience as one that caused extra tiredness, rather an opportunity for the players to gain extra fitness and strength. On the sendings off BA accepted responsibility and had learnt from it which were the important things. He is really hurting but Bruno is a really good kid and will only come back a better and stronger player from this. JS was really unlucky to have been sent off. It was one where the referee had forgotten about booking him in the first half and was unlikely to have booked him for the later indiscretion had he remembered.
Spygate - DC did not dispatch NC into the bushes this week following on from Marcelo Bielsa getting caught out before the Leeds Derby game. Whilst DC felt what had happened was a little unethical he was far more focused on learning from Bielsa (top class coach) and the presentation he made about the incredible detail that he gathered on all his opponents.
New Signings - (Note Danny Rowe had not been announced at the time of the Presser) Cian Bolger was one of the best centre halves in L1 last season and DC puts him in the top 10 at that level. He is surprised that CB became available given that there had been interest last summer from Hull and Millwall with Fleetwood also turning down a 500k bid for him from a Scottish club last summer. DC mooted that sometimes things change when there is a new manager so when CB came available he has been working on the deal since early December. DC was asked about the fee and he stated that as Bolger was in the last six months of his contract City had not paid a fee before signing him on a two and a half year contract. CB is 6'5" tall, aerially dominant in both boxes and will score goals with our record on re-starts.
James Brown knows the division well having been on loan previously. Neil Harris (Millwall manager) thinks really highly of the 21 year old right back and has had him as an unused sub on numerous occasions. Harris has done a real favour by not playing him making Brown eligible to sign for The Imps which is what he needs for his development. Brown has great character having needed to be strong to survive at the Millwall Academy. He is a proper old fashioned defensive right back who loves a one v one situation. With Neil Eardley able to play left back Imps now have three full backs vying for the two positions.
Current loan signings - Shay McCartan hadn't helped DC's nerves with his worldie strike at Swindon, joking he had ordered the Imps Media to destroy all traces of it. DC had endured an anxious time regularly checking his texts to ensure Bradford had not recalled Shay and was delighted when the deadline passed - really pleased to have him staying onboard.
Kelham Gordon - DC's preferred position is to keep KG on loan but he is respectful that Derby have had interest to sign the player permanently which Imps budget restraints don't make that an option for 'us' right now. Derby see KG as a fullback eventually whereas DC thinks he has so much quality and athleticism so sees Gordon deployed better higher up the pitch.
There is nothing finalized regarding Scott Wharton or Bernard Mensah with DC maintaining regular contact with their parent clubs.
Grimsby - It is not ideal missing BA or JS going into the game but these things happen and this match is all about the squad so it is up to DC to find the best method, style and personnel for the occasion. DC noted it's really good that we have Mike Dean as the referee before he quipped that he doesn't want another fine so had better stop talking about the ref. before the game. There will be an unbelievable atmosphere generated by the supporters of both sides who are a credit to their respective clubs. DC knows how important the game is to the fans - more than the three points - so whilst he has not changed training routines he and Lee Frecklington have made sure the uninitiated know what this game is all about. The players know this is an opportunity to give something back to the fans for all their support. The game will undoubtedly be one of high intensity and energy. Michael Jolley has done a really good job - Manager of the Month for December - with The Mariners doing fantastically well at PL Palace losing by only the one goal despite being down to ten men for virtually the whole game. Their players put in a huge effort and are clearly fighting for their club. This will be the best version of GTFC the Imps have faced under the Cowley's tenure at Lincoln.
