By Nathan Jackson
April 27 2011

Midfielder Luke Howell has criticised unnamed members of the Lincoln City squad, stating that the club's players need to drop any egos that have or face the huge reality check of being non-league players. This comes a few days after the midfielder questioned the commitment level of several players on the radio.

Howell joined the Imps in October on loan from MK Dons before making the move permanent in January following an impressive spell. He was a key part of the team that won five in a row, but since then the Imps have struggled for consistency and have only picked up two points from the last nine games. After the game against Cheltenham, Howell stated on the radio that there were some in the squad who weren't pulling their weight and he has again come out and slated his team-mates, claiming some of the squad have egos.

"I do feel that sometimes, a few individuals look after themselves and if they perform well but the team loses, they might not be too disappointed," Howell told the Echo. "This is a tight league and maybe that is the difference. If we did not have that we might be a lot higher. We have better footballers than some teams higher up the league so you have to ask why we are where we are. Each person will have a different opinion."

The fans have been far from happy with the displays of several players during the season, with Ben Hutchinson being the main culprit, scoring just 4 goals in 39 appearances for the club. Hutchinson's effort levels have frustrated most, with the on loan Celtic man seemingly happier to berate his team-mates for a ball that wasn't played directly to his feet rather than him chasing it. Drewe Broughton and Scott Spencer have also been slated for not only a lack of goals, but rarely even having shots.

Howell believes that some players have egos and that they don't actually realise that they could struggle to stay in the Football League once their contracts are up, even if the Imp do survive the relegation battle.

I have just come down from League One and everyone wants to play as high as possible," said Howell, who is out of contract in the summer. It's just a case of waiting and seeing and at the moment, all my focus is on keeping Lincoln City in the league. There might be players who won't be signed here next season but even if they go somewhere else, they will have a relegation on their CV. No one wants that and a few people need to start realising that it is a big possibility."

Howell is one of thirteen players out of contract in the summer and only Joe Anyon, Mustapha Carayol, Ali Fuseini, Gavin McCallum, Josh O'Keefe and Adam Watts are contract to be here next season. Howell is one of the players likely to be offered a new contract, however, most of the thirteen are expected to be released.

Luke "The Truth" Howell says players must drop egos

Discussion started by theimps.ka (IP Logged), 27/04/2011 09:13

theimps.ka
27/04/2011 09:13

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

kevin6
27/04/2011 09:42

Of all the players on show this past six months, I do hope he earns himself a new contract.
He remains one of the few players capable of getting us out of this mess.

Reply Quote Report

Kate Jackson
27/04/2011 09:46

Agreed, also one of the few players who tries.

Good Luck, Mr Gorsky

http://twitter.com/#!/katejackson84
http://www.katejackson84.blogspot.com

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net