New Lincoln United manager Sam Wilkinson says his side can challenge for the playoffs again next season.
Wilkinson was assistant to former boss Dave Frecklington, who took the Whites to the playoffs last season and the new man at the helm hopes to do the same.
“We’re hoping to get in the playoffs again,” Wilkinson said. “That’s the main aim and hopefully if we get a good start we can maybe challenge at the top. But our main aim is to get into the playoffs and get over the line this time.”
This is Wilkinson’s first job as manager and he is grateful to Frecklington for the guidance he has given him: “I’ve got massive respect for Dave. I’ve learnt so much from him and I probably wouldn’t have had this opportunity without him to be honest.”
“I think I’m ready and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Wilkinson has appointed experienced Whites player Chris Hall as his assistant at Ashby Avenue.
“I knew Chris was interested in the coaching side of the game,” said Wilkinson. “He’s 32 or 33 now so he is looking to get into management and he’s perfect for me. I couldn’t ask for anyone better. Also he’s still very good friends with the players and is close to them which is important.”
That friendship could be key to Wilkinson’s hopes of keeping the current squad together, as he admitted there will be a high amount of interest in his players this summer, after last season’s exploits.
“I still think we might lose one or two,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough summer to keep all the players happy. After a season like last year people are going to try to sign some of our players.”
“But I think they most of them want to stay. I’ve had a brief chat with them and they all want to keep the squad together and have a go next year.”
“We’ve just got to get their names on the paper really.”