Imps v Notts County Preview

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4th August 2006

Notts County travel to Lincoln City on Saturday for an opening day fixture.

These two clubs have had almost identical close seasons, as both have seen changes in management while boardroom events have also dominated the news.

In May, Lincoln City's stability of four years was brought to an end when Imps' boss Keith Alexander quit the club. He was subsequently appointed as manager of Peterborough United. Meanwhile, Notts County would also have a vacancy for a new manager. One man who applied for both positions was former Imps' favourite Steve Thompson.

Imps' chairman Steff Wright dismissed Thompson's CV without an offer of an interview. In-between, he received an offer from Notts County to become their manager, although he accepts that he is not the supporters' choice.

Starting a new era at Sincil Bank are Head Coach John Schofield and Director of Football John Deehan. Schofield, like Thompson, was not the supporters' choice for manager, as many wished to see John Ward appointed rather than anyone else. To Schofield's credit, he has promised a passing style of football, which has captured the imagination of Lincoln's supporters to the extent that they have forgotten about Ward.

Off-the-field events has seen Notts County become a true community club, as their Supporters Trust now owns over 50% of the club's shares. Meanwhile, Lincoln City FC face a boardroom control battle in the wake of former directors Keith Roe and Ray Trew's decision to promise around £1 million pounds should they win the battle. The pair's consortium have also promised a strong role for Lincoln City's Supporters' Trust.

Back to matters on the pitch, and Lincoln City have a full squad from which to select from, although several players might not be classed as match fit due to recent injuries. Notts County have doubts over both Gary Silk and Matt Somner.

These two clubs first met on 16th November 1893 when Lincoln City recorded a 2-1 victory at Notts County. Notts County would later avenge that defeat via a 2-0 win at Lincoln in March 1894. For a full historical round-up of all the results between these two sides, please click here.

Odds for the match:

Lincoln - Evens
Draw - 11/5
Notts County - 5/2

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