Lincoln City Season So Far Player Review (Part Two)

Neal Eardley 39 Appearances, 0 Goals

Courtesy Graham Burrell

In a season such as this, one with high player turnover, it seems odd to be talking about a man with 39 appearances, but that does show how dependable Neal Eardley has been. He does have competition for his place, namely Aaron Lewis, but he’s kept the young Welshman at bay and retained his own place in the team.

Has he been as effective defensively as previous seasons? Maybe not, no. He hasn’t weighed in with his solitary goal as yet, but I don’t think we can talk too negatively about Neal. He’s a senior professional who will have had a strong impact behind the scenes during the manager change, and when  he has shone, he’s done so in typical fashion.

I look back to matches against Burton, where his deliveries earned us the three points, as well as assists provided against Sunderland and Ipswich in two of the memorable wins at Sincil Bank. I’m not sure he’ll be our right back next season, sadly, but I do think he can hold his head high (again) after another decent season at full back.

Zak Elbouzedi 5 Appearances, 0 Goals

Courtesy of Graham Burrell

There isn’t a lot we can write about Zak, his five appearances include four as a substitute, with his other four outings totalling 89 minutes. The one game he did start, he lasted until half time, which gives him a total of around a game and a half in Imps’ colours.

What can we draw from that time on the field? Honestly? Absolutely nothing. I can’t recall one cross, drop of the shoulder, shot or chance that I could comment on. Now, I’m not pulling the player down here, not at all, but I’m calling it as I see it. I know we were excited to get him here and that there are great things expected of him, but right now I don’t think he’s going to impact the club. I wonder if he might see some time out on loan early next season, possibly in League One, with a view to coming in fit and ready for senior football.

Bear this in mind; he was taken off at half time of our 2-1 defeat at Southend, one of the season’s low points, and I think he’s probably paying the price for that outing having not appeared since. What I will say is this: expect to see plenty more of him in a city shirt, just not when we reconvene.

1 Comment

  1. Totally agree with your comments about Freck.

    I’d have played him in advanced midfield/ number 10 ahead of the ineffective Hesketh.

    I feel he could have influenced games in that position.

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