Lincoln City have announced that manager Mark Kennedy and assistant Danny Butterfield have departed the club.
The Imps have endured a torrid run of form as of late, winning just one of their last six League One fixtures. Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Burton Albion saw the East Midlands side plunge to 16th in the table, despite their excellent start to the campaign.
That one win came against rock-bottom Cheltenham Town and is the only three points they have picked up since beating Blackpool on August 26th, although it is fair to say that Lincoln have had their fair share on injury problems. Attackers Tyler Walker and Ben House are currently long-term absentees, whilst summer signing Jack Vale is yet to make an appearance since joining on loan from Blackburn Rovers.
In a short statement, the club said;
“Head coach Mark Kennedy and assistant head coach Danny Butterfield have left the Imps.
“Mark took charge of City in the summer of 2022, overseeing more than 70 games. He was joined by Danny in December of that year.”
Speaking upon the announcement, City’s chief executive Liam Scully said;
“Everyone at the club thanks Mark and Danny for their contribution to the Imps over their time with us, and we wish them well in their future coaching careers. They leave with our thanks and best wishes.”
It has been confirmed that first-team coach Tom Shaw with take the helm on an interim basis, starting with this weekend’s clash against fellow strugglers Fleetwood Town.
Writer’s View
Despite Lincoln’s recent poor form, this announcement comes as a major shock. They are not a club that traditionally part with managers, although it will be interesting to see if it has anything to do with today’s claims that Mark Kennedy is linked with the Republic of Ireland job.
Imps’ fans will be in disbelief, with the vast majority still on the side of the former Liverpool and Manchester City man. He oversaw a huge change in playing staff throughout the summer and it can be argued that injuries and suspensions mean he is yet to field what he will consider his strongest side. Now though, he will not get that chance. Let the rumour mill regarding a Danny Cowley return commence…
