Unity Required

21st September 2007

It might only be September but Lincoln City FC are entering a period of crucial matches!

So why are the next four matches so crucial? Well, if Lincoln fail to perform, i.e. lose all four, then Sincil Bank's revolving managerial door could turn again.

So is Imps' manager John Schofield's job in doubt? Officially, he has the support of the Lincoln City FC board. Judging by results of various online pools this week, it would also appear that Schofield has the majority of support from Lincoln's fans. However, rumblings have started and a heavy home defeat to Grimsby Town on Saturday will end with boos at the very least.

Can Lincoln City defeat Grimsby. One would certainly hope so, considering the match is at Sincil Bank and that Grimsby have yet to win this season. However, as with all local derbies, the only thing guaranteed is that the match will be competitive. In theory, it should be a good spectacle for fans, as both managers prefer the passing style of play. Grimsby are managed by former Imps' boss Alan Buckley, who himself is under pressure.

Perhaps tellingly, Schofield's passing philosophy has not been as pure as it was twelve months ago. It perhaps seem obvious, but Lincoln need to return to a passing tactic rather than attempt to play long balls to Jamie Forrester.

One other gripe of Lincoln City's supporters is that the defence is in disarray. Unfortunately, it would seem that Schofield does not yet know his best defensive players, as he continues to rotate players around the back four. Expect Adie Moses to return to the first team tomorrow, as yet another rearrange takes place.

So should Lincoln City FC sack Schofield. Personally, I believe not, as results of the first half of last season should give him some credit points. However, Lincoln's next three fixtures are against fellow strugglers: Grimsby Town (home), Wrexham (away) and Bury (away). All three matches are winnable, as is their fourth match at home to League newcomers Morecambe.

What could possible go wrong then? The answer lies in whether Lincoln City players still believe in themselves. Schofield said earlier this week that confidence was not a problem, yet on the very same day, a couple of Lincoln's players said that low confidence existed. This showed a lack of harmony that the anti-Schofield protesters quickly latched on to.

So what next? The answer is that players and supporters need to forget about the past three consecutive defeats and concentrate on tomorrow's match as if it was the first of the season. This involves supporters out-cheering and out-singing the counterparts from Grimsby. It could also mean Lincoln's supporters cheering rather booing Imps' striker Steve Torpey, who could well start against Grimsby tomorrow. Unity is what is required for the next four matches.

So how is to a maximum of twelve points and a rapid rise up the table.

Up The Imps!!

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