Mark Kennedy has been discussing the West Ham tie with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, and the big news is attacker Danny Mandroiu will not be involved.
It had been hoped that Mandroiu, out since the beginning of September, might make an appearance tomorrow night as he nears fitness, but it seems that is not the case. When asked for an update, the reply suggested we might see him on Saturday against Cheltenham.
“He’s done really well,” Mark said in his pre-match interview. “He’s very close, but tomorrow is just slightly too early for him.”
‘Slightly too early’ does seem to hint that he could make the squad for the Cheltenham game, and if that is the case, could be in full contention for the away double header against Leyton Orient and Peterborough.
Another player we hope to see is loanee Jack Vale, who was due back at the club this week. When Michael asked if he’d been training at the club, Mark wouldn’t commit to an answer.
“No, I will update you on Jack on Thursday if that’s okay.”
It’s the sort of non-commital answer we have come to expect from managers and head coaches over the past few seasons, and it is open to interpretation. We won’t speculate on what it may, or may not mean, but suffice to say we’ve even disagreed in the SW WhatsApp chat – one of us thinks it means we could see Jack tomorrow on the bench, whilst another is worried it means an injury setback!
Either way, it shouldn’t cloud tomorrow night, a memorable evening at the Bank, whatever happens.