Lee Mitchell has called his new job at Lincoln United Women a “perfect fit” in his first external interview since joining the club.
Speaking exclusively to The Linc, he said: “For us, it was a no brainer. We’ve only been out of it for a couple of months, but I know when I spoke to all the staff we were missing it.
“We kept an eye on the football, how players were doing, how teams were doing, and when the job opportunity came up, it’s another Lincoln side, it’s local to us.”
Mitchell said the novelty of being away from football for him, and newly-appointed assistant manager Steve Hardie, wore off very quickly after their Lincoln City exit in the summer.
“You miss working with the players, and the staff, and you miss the team on game day and the competition. It’s nice to have a break, it refreshed us and made us hungry to get back into it, so we’re really excited to be here now,” he said.
Lee Mitchell Lays Out Lincoln United’s Targets:
Lincoln United’s new boss gave an honest view of where he wants his side to finish come to the end of their debut season at step four.
He said: “We’ve got to stay in this league first and foremost… people will see us a little bit under the radar, so we want to get the best out of these players and out of this squad, and see what we can do for the rest of this season.
“Lincoln United is brand new to this league, so to stay in this league and solidify is the requirement.”
“They’ve had a tough time, they need stability. Everybody does, and we are the same and here to give that.” – Lincoln United Women’s new manager Lee Mitchell
Ashby Avenue the Key to Success:
During his in-depth interview with The Linc, in the home changing rooms of the Sun-hat Villas & Resorts Stadium, Mitchell spoke about making United’s home a steadfast source of points.
He said: “We’ve been on the other side of Ashby Avenue, in those away changing rooms, but we know what it’s like. We’ve played here at Lincoln City, derby games in the county cup. They are a big deal when you’re playing for pride.
“United have always had that bit between their teeth, that little bit extra. But, the fans are what is tough. They’re right on the pitch side, and it can be an intimidating place to come, and we want it to be.
“You want to make [Ashby Avenue] a fortress, and a very tough place for teams to come. And, I think we can do that.”
Back At It After Lincoln City Exit:
Mitchell and his staff left their roles at Lincoln City at the end of last season, while the new structures were put in place to bring the women’s team under the Imps’ academy structure. However, they did not rush into a new job straight away, and instead took time to land a post.
The former City head coach explained: “We talked about it as staff, you’ve got to be patient and find the right club. Don’t just jump into another situation where you’re compromising your beliefs and ethics within the women’s game, and what you want to achieve, and your ambitions.
“Because, if you do that you’re selling yourself short. So, when Lincoln United came knocking we had the conversation of where they’re at, what they’re wanting to do. We were like, ‘It’s going to be a tough job, but we think we are up for it, and the players are up for it’.”
Mitchell said it was great to be back on the training ground as he prepares his new side, with plenty of familiar faces in the mix, for the visit of Boldmere St. Michaels on Sunday, November 10.