Mark Kennedy’s appointment as Lincoln City head coach will have fans excited. But many will be questioning what it means for the club going forward.
The Imps’ new manager expressed his excitement on joining: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come and work at such a fantastic club, I’m really keen to get cracking.
“One of the huge attractions at Lincoln was the structures and the frameworks they have in place, those people are already here. They’re highly regarded. I’ve met quite a lot of them already and they’re super impressive people.
The biggest compliment that I can pay Lincoln is that if we’re successful it will be something we’ve done together. And if not, it’ll be down to me because everything’s in place to give the head coach the opportunity to be successful.”
Discussing the ambition of the club, Lincoln’s new head coach said: “Certainly, in recent history the trajectory of the club has been massive and we want to continue that so we want to continue the growth of the club.
“It’s got huge potential to build and grow and I’m really grateful to be part of that.”
On the pitch, supporters of Lincoln City can look out for a possession-based team that are progressive and aggressive.
Mr Kennedy emphasised the style of play he wants to impose on his side. He said: “One thing I’ll be really big on and really keen to impress on the fans is the aggression off the ball, we want to really be in people’s faces. We want to get the ball back as quick as possible.”
Photo Credit – Chris Vaughan/Lincoln City
The Imps’ fanbase has been heavily praised for their support in recent seasons and the new man in the dugout expressed his desire and the importance of connecting with fans.
“We want to give fans a brand of football they can be proud of, something they can identify with and something that gets them off the seats.
“The one thing that really stood out to me when I spoke to Liam and Jez and the board was their passion for the fans and the connection. That was really evident and that’s something that was one of the main reasons why I came here. So, we want to make sure there is that connection.”
Photo Credit – Finley Cannon
The importance of the local community was also highlighted by the former Liverpool defender.
“It’s quite a unique situation where there’s one fantastic club in the city, so it’s important we massively connect with everybody in Lincoln, not just the fans. The wider community and the local businesses.
“I’d like to think that I am really accessible guy. I want to be out there. I want to get to meet people.”
Lincoln City have taken full advantage of the loan system in recent years, bringing in players from successful sides that have helped push the team forward. The former Manchester City academy coach believes this is something that can continue.
“I’ve already had texts from people in high-end, elite academies saying ‘look if we can help you in any way shape or form would really like to have a conversation.’
“On one hand, I’d like to think some of it is down to me and my coaching reputation, but you know a huge part of it is what Lincoln have proven they can do and what they’re capable of in that in that market.”
With the prospect of exciting attacking football and new, exciting players, Lincoln fans will be sure to have something to look forward to.
Mark Kennedy’s message for Imps fans is: “I look forward to meeting them all in the first game of the season and we’re all really Keen to get started and although I’m new to them, I’m fully aware of what the fans bring to Lincoln City the passion and drive they have.”