By Nathan Jackson
October 15 2010

With it now being confirmed that Steve Tilson has been appointed as the manager of Lincoln City, we give our reaction to his appointment and a look towards the future under a proven manager at this level.

I must say that I am actually delighted we got Tilson. Obviously without having a full list of who applied for the job, I think that Tilson was the best out of all of those that applied for the role. He has the experience at this level and has proven he can turn a below average squad into a team that challenges at the top, hell, he even got Drewe Broughton scoring a few goals here and there.

I remember the games against Southend with Tilson in charge were always tricky and although the Imps generally controlled all the games, the fact we didn’t win any of them tells it’s own story. Southend became a team that became difficult to beat and knew how to win when not playing well, something the Imps haven’t managed for years.

The club always described appointing Chris Sutton as being a gamble and you’d be hard pushed to find someone who believed the gamble paid off. In the year he was here, Sutton managed to keep us safe, mainly due to the horrendous form of Grimsby and Darlington last season, but he just made Sincil Bank a very negative place. People turned up to home games just expecting to lose, ever since he left the club has been a far nicer place, and even some of the players have come out and commented on the difference since he left.

Obviously I’m not going to count chickens or anything like that, we all know what happens when we automatically expect a manager to do well when he comes in based on previous success. A lot of managers are highly successful at one club, but then really fail to emulate that success anywhere else. Such as examples of that are Peter Reid at Sunderland, Peter Jackson at Huddersfield and realistically, Keith Alexander at Lincoln. However, I feel that this is the best option that was available to us.

Luckily, he now has over a week until his first game, so he’s got plenty of chance to look at the players properly, see what he can do and maybe bring in a loan signing or two to strengthen the team.

Reaction to the appointment of Steve Tilson

Discussion started by theimps.ka (IP Logged), 15/10/2010 12:07

theimps.ka
15/10/2010 12:07

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barryimp
15/10/2010 12:26

Doing a bit of research on the internet. He seems to be pro-active in the community.A big must at this level. In his first interview he stresses playing as a team and a winning mentality,and to play because they enjoy it.
I am not saying that previous Lincoln teams havent played as teams,but i think he means that indefineable something that is called spirit.
I think if you view on You Tube Steve Tilson you will see something of what i mean. Playing table tennis with a young fan.
As Nathan says it is easy to get carried away and in many ways a different appointment to what we have been used to.
Time will tell.

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79imp
15/10/2010 15:35

You're spot-on Barryimp. Getting out into the community is important for any club but imperative at our level where local kids will usually choose a Man Utd or Liverpool to support rather than their local team. In my time, both John Beck and Keith Alexander made this a cornerstone of what they tried to build and there is no question that this helped them get success and bring in more fans. Great to hear that Tilson values this highly as well. I don't ever remember Chris Sutton talking about or doing anything in this regard as he was probably more interested in getting back to Norfolk to shoot some pheasants and whinge about the club and the fans. As Nathan rightly says in the article, the club already feels more positive without his prescence and you can't really argue with the quality of this appointment. Ok, some could say that parallels could be made with Peter Jackson, but he's bringing in a decent coach and keeping on Lindsey who knows the players well and has done a sound job as caretaker. Onwards and upwards, can't wait for next Saturday!

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kevin6
15/10/2010 17:12

Pleased to see Lincoln install what I regard as a quality and proven manager. A good decision by the board.

Without being over-optimistic I would reasonably expect top half of the table this year.

I would also hope the visual spectacle improves from what has been served up this last three years.

Bit sorry for Thommo and co, because I think he really wanted the job and IMHO would do no worse than what has gone before.

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Cambridgeimp
15/10/2010 17:48

On the face of it a good appointment i think, hes got two promotions and a near miss to his credit, did a really good job at Southend, obviously knows this level of football and what is needed to be successfull, its really good to feel optmism around the Club again.

Good luck Steve

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Helgy.
15/10/2010 18:55

We have been trying the community thing with the 12th man but its hard work to get people involved perhaps a bit of success will encourage.

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cherryexile
16/10/2010 00:11

Momentum is all that is needed.

It will be amazing what a differnence 7 points from the next 3 games will make to the attendances, the league position, the squad, the fans, the future, even the board.

The only problem is we need to win a couple and not lose any to start the ball rolling (every pun intended).

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skeggyimp
16/10/2010 12:25

Quote:

cherryexile
Momentum is all that is needed.
It will be amazing what a differnence 7 points from the next 3 games will make to the attendances, the league position, the squad, the fans, the future, even the board.

The only problem is we need to win a couple and not lose any to start the ball rolling (every pun intended).

So no pressure on the new manager then!!

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