It's not all doom and gloom
By Max Heath
December 15 2009
In my first article for theimps.tk, I will be talking about my optimism for the future of the Imps. My name is Max Heath and I have been going to Lincoln games for around 10 years, I am a regular at home and away games due to the free time that comes from being a youngster! I hope you enjoy what I have written!
Its pretty obvious we have been shocking so far this season. But its clear we have talent in the team. Players such as Cian Hughton, Chris Fagan, Sergio Torres, Chris Herd, Eric Lichaj and of course Rob Burch.
All these players have definite qualities; Cian Hughton pacey young full back, decent cross and a good slide tackle, and in my opinion a better option to green. Chris Fagan; maybe lightweight at the moment. And is useless on most areas of the pitch. But in the penalty area, he is lethal, as he has already proved with great strikes against Bournemouth and Northwich. Given the correct partner (Connor?) I think he could be a success. Despite the rest of the players mentioned above all being on loan, I think due to Chris Suttons connections they can all be tied for the rest of the season, and in Torres' case he already is.
A midfield including Herd, Oakes, Torres sounds like one that can produce goals and assists to our parched strike force, and with those Herd and Torres being the only midfielders who have scored this season for the Imps, we don't have much of a choice! So we must have faith.
Of the above mentioned, Eric Lichaj is another one who has impressed, a left footed attacking full back who can also defend, is in my opinion something of a rarity in league two, and an asset we are lucky to have. He has already shown us what he is about with several mazy runs from inside his own half, setting up decent chances and even a goal! A luxury at the Bank! I have faith in Eric, that his loan will be extended and that he will become a vital cog in steering us from relegation.
The final player I will take about is a player that has perhaps been forgotten, one of only four over thirties in the squad. Paul Connor. If he ever gets fit, and I stress it is a big if, he could make a big difference. In my opinion we have missed a workhorse of a striker, someone with lower league know-how, with experience and a clever player too boot. He can hold up the ball and is intelligent in his movement, and maybe a partnership can be kindled between him and Fagan. If we had a fit and firing Connor from the start of the season until this point, I doubt we would be in the mess we are in. But hey imps fans, at least our season has a bit of excitement eh? Unlike the last two mid-table finishes.
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I think we'll do VERY well to keep Lichaj past January though; he is pure class and as Sutton himself has pointed out: destined for great things very soon - I'd be surprised if Villa where to let him go again, certainly to a League 2 side - but it would be a very nice Christmas present from Martin!
*** - Druid-IMP - ***