Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley will almost certainly be expecting a call from the EFL this week after launching into a passionate rant about the state of League One this season.
The reason for his concern is the plight of Bury and Bolton, both of whom had games cancelled last night. Doncaster, the Imps’ opponents on Saturday, were due to play Bolton but found out about the postponement from Sky Sports.
In his post-match interview, Cowley was asked if he intended to speak to the EFL about the situation after offering his forthright opinions on the subject.
“We already have, we found out by Sky Sports like Doncaster did,” he replied.
“I’ve got huge respect for both football clubs. I don’t blame them. I don’t blame Bolton or Phil Parkinson who has been magnificent for that football club under challenging circumstances, but I do blame the EFL. I blame the EFL for allowing it to get to this.
“People need to answer questions. This league is just not fair at the moment, we’re competing in a division that’s just not fair. We only have 18 players, the reason we only have 18 players is we are trying to live within our means. It’s putting us in a difficult position because we are trying to live and run our football club in the right way.”
Cowley, who had seen his side lose their 100% record with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of MK Dons had earlier asked what he should do with his squad, having heard Bolton had postponed their game due to player welfare.
“We’ve now had five games back to back, we play nine games this month and I’ve only got eighteen players myself, two long term injuries.
“So, what do I do Friday? What do I do? Do I cancel the game Friday night and let everyone know by social media?”
Doubtless, he’ll be hearing from the EFL this week for articulating what many of his fellow managers are surely feeling.
Our View
Cowley was obviously unhappy when he faced the press last night his side had dominated against MK Dons and were beaten by an offside goal, but his words will hit a chord with a lot of fans.
The situation at both clubs has been allowed to seep into the season and it’s damaging the whole competition.
Lincoln are not the only club affected, across the board teams are getting early breaks and may see a fixture pile-up towards the end of the season.
it’s a sorry state of affairs from the oldest Football League in the world.
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