Wanted: A New Manager

16th October 2007

So once again, Lincoln City are on the look out for a new manager, which will make it their third in just over a year.

The vacancy arose on Monday afternoon when Imps' boss John Schofield was relieved of his duties by Chairman Steff Wright and his board. Also leaving is Director of Football John Deehan.

So was this entirely unexpected?

Actually, no. However, Schofield could have been forgiven for thinking that he would have longer to turn around the recent poor run of results.

Why?

Partly because Schofield had been rewarded with a new three year contract in August 2007. Imps' fans dread to think how much compensation it will cost the club to pay Schofield off plus Deehan, who had just under a year left on his contract.

Schofield will probably feel disappointed that his record over last season was just judged on his form since January. Between August - December 2006, The Imps had flirted with the automatic promotion spots. Included in this period were games that saw The Imps score seven against Rochdale and five against Barnet.

So should Schofield have stayed?

Probably not. Fans have besieged internet message forums calling for him to leave the club. Whether this is the minority or the majority is difficult to judge. Whether Schofield has any regrets is unknown but one could be his decision to continually tinker with his side during this current season. Last week, The Forgotten Imp wrote how the side need consistency, yet there were four changes for Lincoln's match at MK Dons.

Was the match against MK Dons particularly bad?

Yes; it finished as a 4-0 defeat. One or two players, such as Nat Brown and Alan Marriott played well but the others were largely anonymous. In their defence it should be pointed out that a couple played out of position, such as central midfielder Lee Frecklington who was deployed as a winger. Again, we come back to Schofield's tinkering with the team selection.

So what now?

For now, youth team coach, and Imps' legend, Grant Brown has been appointed as caretaker-manager. However, no disrespect to Brown, but the club needs an experienced manager at present. Whoever gains the position must work with the current players as the transfer window is closed until January 1st, although he will be able to bring in loan signings.

Do we have any names in the frame?

Martin Allen has emerged as the fans' favourite to be appointed as manager. However, his wages could be a problem, plus the fact that Allen is also being linked with the vacant job at Championship club Norwich City. Another name who would appease supporters is Colin Murphy - ironically it is twenty seasons ago that Murphy masterminded the great escape from the Conference. Twenty years on and the new manager will have to perform the similar escape from (relegation to) the Conference.

One last thing remains: that is to wish John Schofield success in the future, as Schofield was a decent bloke who worked hard for Lincoln City FC. Also good luck to John Deehan.

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