Why we failed this year and will again next year?

[nw6pie]

Recruitment early is one part of the jigsaw, but as the above demonstrates and last season does it has to be the right kind of recruitment.

Many of those above were solid players with the right work ethic and a winning mental attitude. Also some had been captains at their previous clubs and were leaders. All the ingredients required for a successful side no matter what level you play at.

I watched Man City yesterday and whilst they have technically great players what they also have are players that are constantly hungry and keep going and going for the cause and force the opposition into problems. They are completely ruthless and do not ease up one bit.

Obviously the vast majority of teams are not to this quality but the key principles of winning the ball back, battling, fighting and having that hunger and desire which are all the mental aspects of the game can take you along way in the lower leagues. Many times last season we talked of the other team wanting it more. Obviously you do need that extra bit of quality as well and can’t solely rely on attitude and spirit alone.

I don’t know about non-league what is needed to get out of that level but imagine the basics of being organised, physical and strong physically and mentally with some quality for that level would be key.

Not that long ago, football seemed to becoming a game for 6 footers only - I seem to remember Mourinho even fielding a team in which everyone was over 6 foot. What Man City have done is reverse that trend with the likes of Bernardo Silva, Aguero, Jesus, Sterling, De Bruyne, etc. These guys are just amazing athletes whose work ethic is amazing - same story at Anfield. Not sure it will be quite like that in the National League, though.

[Elite_Pie]

We were discussing recruitment Elite I know it’s difficult but try to stay on topic.

We seem to be making progress, as you finally seem to accept that he was an appalling manager. Have a look at his recruitment for the whole season he was in charge, he signed some real garbage. I think if he had been given the manager's job at Man City for this season he would have got them into the Europa League. I'm sure MiG would see that as some achievement given his low standards.

[forwardmagpie]

We seem to be making progress, as you finally seem to accept that he was an appalling manager. Have a look at his recruitment for the whole season he was in charge, he signed some real garbage. I think if he had been given the manager's job at Man City for this season he would have got them into the Europa League. I'm sure MiG would see that as some achievement given his low standards.

Where have I accepted he was an appalling manager he falls somewhere between not as good as I think and not as bad as you know!!

If you think his recruitment was garbage I do not share your opinion but then on most topics I am more than glad not to share your opinion.

[Elite_Pie]

I do not share your opinion but then on most topics I am more than glad not to share your opinion.

As I recall you have a strong dislike of Forest, maybe we have some common ground on that one.

[forwardmagpie]

As I recall you have a strong dislike of Forest, maybe we have some common ground on that one.

Yes that is one topic (probably the only one other than our blind support of Notts) where we definitely have common ground.

[Old_pie]

One gaping omission in our line up was Michael O'Conner:

He's played a big part in the success of the team over this past season," said Lincoln manager Danny Cowley.

Whether we could have kept him or not is open to question but we didn't replace him effectively. Maybe he could see where the grass was greener.

[slack_pie]

stretching a bit there with westcarr and hawley
and its johnny jackson

Westcarr was a great signing. Scored and assisted double figures from the wing. No idea why we got rid of him when we did.