New Lincoln City manager Gary Simpson has made it clear that his first goal as Lincoln manager will be the task of keeping the club in the Blue Square Premier League, as he was presented to the media by club chairman Bob Dorrian and co-vice chairman David Parman.
Speaking at his first press conference in the job, the former assistant manager under the late Keith Alexander explained that the team needed twelve points from their remaining twelve games to stand any chance of surviving in this division.
Simpson said about his return: “I always thought I’d come back one day. I’m pleased to be back. I couldn’t have lived with myself if I hadn’t have gone for it when it came up to try and do something about the situation.
“I believe in the ability I’ve got that I may be the best man to do it. It was a tough situation when we took over the last time. We’re hoping everyone buys into it this time. We’re in a bit of a mess.”
The manager explained that he had seen the team play six times this season, including the last two matches, and added that he was doing his best to recruit new players before the weekend match with Woking.
Having won just once this year in a 2-1 victory against Dartford, Simpson explained that their current form is “a recipe for disaster”.
He continued: “I’m more concerned about where we are and where we need to be. Let’s make sure we’re still here. Then I’ve got every confidence we can build.”
He added that the team must get through to end of the season so rebuilding can begin, and joked that ex-players of his from his previous spell at the club including Simon Yeo had been in touch about playing for the Imps.
The former Macclesfield boss expressed his intention to try and strenghten every area of the team. Speaking about his current group of players, he explained: “They might not like what I have to tell them but I’ve always improved people.”
He added: “We left [the club] in a good state last time. For the city, to have a football club is fantastic and we’ve got to keep it.”
Having lost close friends Keith Alexander and Richard Butcher in recent years, he stressed that the period following his departure from Moss Rose had been difficult and added that he probably needed the break.
Lincoln City travel to Woking on Saturday, March 2nd for what will be Gary Simpson’s first game in charge.