Tom Shaw spoke to the press ahead of a big match against an in-form Charlton on Tuesday, October 24th. He looked back on the victory at Fleetwood, assessed Reeco Hackett’s injury and looked ahead to the Addicks’ visit to the LNER Stadium.
Lincoln won their first ever game at Highbury on Saturday, beating Fleetwood 0-1. Regarding the win, Shaw said: “A really good weekend for the football club, terrific feeling at 17:00, amazing for everyone involved in the three-day build-up of it.
”It was a performance of everything you need to win away, the first half was good, the possession and the territory was good, we could have taken a few more chances in the first half but we did everything we had touched on. In the second half we did the bits we needed to do to see the game out.
“But it’s straight onto Charlton. The analyst is brilliant at what he does, he had information on them straight over to us.
“We’re clued up on what to expect and after today’s session we’re prepared for what’s to come.”
Tom Shaw’s arrival and time in charge has come with change, with a tweak on the tactics previous manager Mark Kennedy had. He said: “The game will determine things. It’s the same structure but slight changes in details on positions. We want more security on the ball, and if we don’t it’s for counter-attacks.
“We touched on keeping the ball more and being better in possession, we want them to have more composure and calmness and confidence. If we give the ball away cheaply that’s on me, I’m telling them to be braver with what they do.”
Reeco Hackett was forced off on Saturday with an injury, which Shaw said: “Reeco needs a scan, he may have already had it but it’s not good news. He’s had a really good impact on us so far this year so it’s disappointing for him. It’s important for us to get him on the pitch for us and for the fans as soon as possible.
He added: “We’ve got plenty of players that have enough quality for any manager in this division to want. They’re top players but this is an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth.”
Jack Vale was on the bench for The Imps’ visit to Fleetwood, but may be in contention to feature on Tuesday. Shaw said: “Jack Vale is really important, it’s a shame circumstances on Saturday meant that we couldn’t get him out.
“We’ve got to use him effectively and at the right time over the next few weeks, but again in the session today we could see he is a Lincoln City player from all his traits, its something everyone can get behind.
Shaw was asked about the return of Michael Appleton to the club, who previously managed Lincoln City to a success League One finish. He said: “I huge respect for Michael, I learnt a lot from him here, I’ve got huge admiration from him, he was brilliant with me.
“He’s got a good squad to match the good coach, and it’s going to be a very good challenge for us. Well get our squad behind his if possible. For a couple of hours, he is the enemy,” he added.
Regarding Appleton’s squad, he said: “They’ve found a way of working that’s clicked. We’ve had massive discussions on how to stop that, the players have earnt an atmosphere tomorrow and the fans should blow the roof off the LNER under the lights. We need to give supporters what they deserve to get behind us.”
Finally, Shaw was asked about his first home appearance as head coach of Lincoln. He said: “It’ll be a great feeling [playing at home for the first time], it’s going to be special for my family too, who have been invested in this club for 5 and a bit years.
“But the focus is on the players and putting on another big performance because it can be another great night.
“It’s a privilege to manage at home tomorrow, how many coaches get this chance. The main feeling is excitement, we’ve got a big game tomorrow against a good squad, so bring it on. “
The Imps will be looking to keep their good form under Shaw, trying to keep his 100% record as coach.
Follow for our live Twitter/X updates on Tuesday night, as well as a match report and interviews after the final time whistle.