Former Lincoln City midfielder John Finnigan spoke to LincSport about interim head coach Tom Shaw, Mark Kennedy’s departure and the potential replacements.
Finnigan shared a dressing room with Shaw at Kidderminster Harriers. The former midfielder said: “He’s a good all round lad on and off the pitch.”
Shaw picked up a win in his first match in interim charge with one goal being enough to beat Fleetwood Town.
Finnigan said: “It’s a good start. I’m pleased for him.”
He said: “Who knows how long it will last,” adding that: “He’s a safe pair of hands. He knows the club and he knows the players.”
The departure of Mark Kennedy came as a surprise to John Finnigan, who played 143 games for the Imps between 1998 and 2002. “It came as a bit of a shock to me,” he said.
“The board obviously thought that change was better than keeping Mark in the job.”
The rumour mill has been swirled as to who will replace Kennedy in the permanent role. The bookies’ favourite is Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley. Finnigan said: “People at Lincoln have had an eye on him for a while.” Adding: “He’s doing good things [at Shamrock Rovers].”
Bradley was approached when Lincoln were last seeking a new head coach, but fellow-Irishman Mark Kennedy ended up taking the job.
The other main candidate is a familiar face for Lincoln fans – Danny Crowley. He won the National League, League Two and EFL Trophy when he was at the helm.
Finnigan believes this tried and tested option has real potential. He said: “[Danny] seems like a good fit.”
“It might suit both parties. He’s probably not going go get in much higher,” he said.
Crowley was in charge at Sincil Bank from 2016 to 2019, before leaving for Huddersfield Town. He went on to manage Portsmouth, but was sacked in January of this year after a poor run of form.
Another option is the 2021/22 League One Manager of the Season Leam Richardson. He achieved promotion into the Championship with Wigan Athletic in that season.
John Finnigan think he’s an interesting option. He said: “He’s a manager who’s been there and done it with another club at this level.”
And added: “It helps if you’ve been in the division before. I think it’s an advantage, but you get other managers coming in who are immediately successful.”
The rumours will continue until a new head coach is appointed, but off the back of victory at Fleetwood, Lincoln City welcome Charlton Athletic to the LNER Stadium on Tuesday, October 24th.