As we sit gazing out of the windows at stately Mad Manor whilst the sun is not exactly shining it’s quite bright, there is the prospect of some lovely time off next weekend. The grass needs cutting meaning summer can’t be too far away, oh and City have not lost heavily for several days so all’s right with the world until at least Saturday at three when the Imps will take on Crewe Alexandra.
Crewe are one of those sides who kicked around with City for long enough many seasons ago, with the likes of Bradford, Tranmere, Barnsley and indeed Grimsby and then they and the aforementioned clubs departed our milky way for galaxies anew. Tranmere and Barnsley are both still up there for all we know glittering away in the heavens and of course the Mariners fell out of their lofty orbit straight past us and into a black hole that we ourselves are trying to avoid. Crewe and Bradford are back with us in our humble constellation, a constant reminder that no club has a divine right to success and also possibly that it does not bode well to forsake a careful watch at all times for there is plenty of debris around to catch the unwary out and give them a nasty surprise. The legacy that the sainted Keith left us has gradually been frittered away but, such is the generosity of our rivals that, even now, a win would probably dissipate the clouds that have gathered over us and see us over the line for another wretched season to contemplate life anew next term. If only it were that easy.
Is Scott Spencer our man for all seasons? He has said:-
“If I am selected I will give it my all for the manager, the club and the fans. I am going to go out there and give it my all and fight for every ball until the final minute”
Blimey! Is this the same Scott Spencer who ballooned the ball over the bar when it was easier to score or the one who got two in the recent reserves clash against said Mariners? Let’s hope it’s the latter because we could do with fighting talk like that.
That wily old campaigner Dario Gradi is urging his team on:-
“We need the performances to match the words and the challenge for them now is to win all five games and see where that takes us”
He knows, as do all managers in his position that it is about selling season tickets for him now. Lincoln City have other concerns. To those travelling, probably more in hope than expectation, maybe our team will surprise us. We’re due something surely. To the players Lincoln City Mad would say to you; cast off your fear, rise above your weariness. Make that run, insist on that ball, take that shot. The Americans say of the British that we are a people who stumble at every hurdle bar the last. It’s meant as a compliment. Be the players that saved the Imps and you will always be remembered for it. The alternative is not to be contemplated.