Lincoln City Head Coach Focuses On ‘First Job’ For Upcoming Week

Chris Cohen says Lincoln City’s priority this week is to produce a performance which rewards their supporters with three points against Burnley.

With no midweek fixture, Chris and Tom Shaw will have their first full week with the squad back together at the EPC following the international break. It offers a welcome opportunity to prepare for Saturday’s game at Sincil Bank after the demanding turnaround between West Ham and Millwall. However, Freddie Draper and Tom Hamer will be missing through suspension, with Deji Elerewe also facing a ban following his dismissal at The Den.

Asked by the written press about the opportunity for an uninterrupted week of preparation, Chris first addressed those absences.

“Definitely. Like we were just talking about, we’re going to miss some players. Freddie’s always going to be a big miss with the way he’s playing at the moment, alongside Tom Hamer, potentially alongside Deji, and the injured boys.”

The Imps earned a point on the road on Saturday but are still seeking their first home league victory of the campaign. Chris also spoke about the backing the team continue to receive, both at Sincil Bank and away from home.

“But our job this week is to create a performance where we take three points against Burnley. We have to give the supporters who travel up and down the country, who sell out Sincil Bank every time we play there, points and victories.

“We said straight after the game that, from this moment, that’s all that’s going to be on our mind. We have to learn some stuff from the performance and the game today. But we know the fans deserve for us to give them something to shout about next Saturday, and we’ll do everything we can to create a performance for them to be proud of.”

Conor McGrandles will be available again after serving his suspension at Millwall, providing an option back in midfield. The full week at the EPC gives Chris and Tom time to work on their selection and approach, with the aim of turning Saturday’s encouraging away performance into a victory at home.