Gary Simpson has admitted Lincoln City are in “a frightening situation” ahead of their home match with Southport.
Speaking at a press call, he revealed that the Imps are in for a tough match in what will be his first home game as manager, but said there are no fresh injury worries.
He said: “I’m expecting a really tough game. It will be just as tough as Macclesfield but in a different way. They are big, strong and will ask questions from set plays. They’ve got a bit of everything.”
Simpson added: “We’ve got a couple of players in that make us more physical. Bringing [Nat] Brown and [Tony] Diagne in has made us bigger and stronger.”
The Imps go into tomorrow’s game having lost 2-1 to Macclesfield in midweek, in a match which saw Simpson return to Moss Rose.
He revealed: “We’re disappointed to take nothing out of the game. The lads worked extremely hard, it was 30 minutes before they had a shot.”
The club have released Gary Mills, Conal Platt and Geoffrey Gouveia this week and the manager admitted he’s needed to make the changes.
He continued: “I don’t know [Gary Mills] personally. Financially it was good for us and for him. I’m scouring far and wide and trying to find players who could help. I’m trying to strengthen all areas.
“It’s common sense. Mills is not going to be available this season. Platt needs to play football. Everyone that goes frees a little bit up. It’s obviously helping me out.”
While Todd Jordan has joined the club this week, Simpson stressed he will not be buying players for the sake of it.
He said: “[Todd] was a lad I worked with at the beginning of the season and I saw him play last season. He’s enthusiastic.”
Speaking about the changes at the club, he admitted that one his senior players told him he did not want to stay at the club because of the travelling he has to do.
Simpson also said he has “no reason” to stop Alan Power from continuing as captain or to drop goalkeeper Paul Farman, saying he was “impressed” with the young shot-stopper.
He added: “The lads have worked extremely hard and I can’t ask for any more.” He also revealed that he’s continuing his search for new players and hinted that he was looking to add attacking players.
Lincoln City take on Southport on Saturday, March 9th, 2013 at the 12th Imp Sincil Bank Stadium.