Lincoln City manager, David Holdsworth has refused to be downbeat, despite his team’s low league position and long injury list.
Speaking at a press call ahead of their match with Hyde, Holdsworth emphasised that the club’s training ground “has been a really positive place” and that there has been “no negative force” in the dressing room.
Despite being faced with injuries, Holdsworth was full of praise for his squad. He said: “I can’t speak highly enough of them. They have been fantastic.”
The Imps completed the loan signing of David Morgan from Nottingham Forest, giving them midfield cover. Holdsworth said he was “grateful” to Nottingham Forest for helping to seal the transfer and described Morgan as “a talented young man.”
Even with injured players, Holdsworth has been staying positive, adding: “I remain very excited by this bunch of players that I have got here.”
Reflecting on recent form, the Lincoln manager said: “The table at the moment is extremely tight and performances have been good. We’ve contested every game and I feel the players haven’t been getting the rub of the green.”
Speaking of the upcoming home match against Hyde, Holdsworth said: “We give them respect. Some of the clubs that have come up (from lower divisions) have adjusted.” After Hyde hammered Hereford 5-2 last week, Holdsworth added that Lincoln City’s opponents “will take great comfort.”
Also speaking at the press call was Imps midfielder, Jake Sheridan, who was also upbeat. He admitted the team have been “punished for the little things,” but said: “The football is good. We can mix it up but we’re playing some nice football along the ground.”
Sheridan added: “I want to score more goals as it takes pressure off the strikers. I got one cleared off the line on Saturday (against Telford).”
He explained that the team learnt lessons from their stalemate with Telford last week. He said: “We need to take our chances. We dominated the game and were by far the better team.” Sheridan also said that “a second goal” in games would make a difference.
Despite not winning since the first match of the season, Sheridan said that the team has got to stay positive: “Hyde are a very young team. They try to play football and were by far the best team in their league.”
Striker, Conner Robinson has twice come off the bench this season and he scored the equaliser against Gateshead. He said: “I’ve been involved in the first team for a couple of weeks now. The lads look after me well.”
Robinson explained that he “will take any chances” that come his way. He added: “I need people to believe in my ability, [David Holdsworth] obviously does.”
The young striker admitted that there was a transition from the youth team to first team. “I’m stepping up into a man’s game,” he said. “There are some fantastic players coming through. I’ve worked hard and my chance has come.”
Lincoln City play Hyde at the 12th Imp Sincil Bank Stadium on Saturday, September 15th.