Lincoln City interim manager Tom Shaw has delivered a positive update on striker Jack Vale ahead of today’s trip to Fleetwood Town.
The Imps have endured a turbulent week, first losing to Burton Albion at the LNER Stadium last weekend which saw them slip to 16th in the League One table before parting company with Mark Kennedy on Wednesday.
Despite an excellent start to the season, the East Midlands side have struggled over the last couple of months, winning just one league game since August. This has coincided with the loss of key attackers Ben House and Tyler Walker, with both currently nursing long-term injuries.
It’s no surprise that goals have dried up at Sincil Bank. Furthermore, the form of academy graduate Freddie Draper – currently on loan at League Two’s Walsall – has made this more difficult for Lincoln fans to take, although there now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.
Shaw will take charge of the team for the first time this afternoon against fellow strugglers Fleetwood Town. The 36-year-old knows he has a task on his hands to steady the ship before the next manager is appointed, but has delivered some positive news on the striker front.
Aside from House and Walker, Lincoln have also been without the services of Jack Vale, who joined on loan from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers in the summer. Injury concerns surrounding the 22-year-old meant that his acquisition was always a risk and he is yet to make an appearance for the club. However, speaking ahead of this afternoon’s fixture, Shaw confirmed that the former Halifax Town loanee could make his first matchday squad;
“Jack has been brilliant in the way he has trained. It’s exciting that he’ll probably be available. In terms of how we use him, we’ll have to discuss it with the medical team to see what’s right.
“It’s looking really positive for him to be involved in this next period – which is a big boost for everybody.”
Elsewhere, Walker could further ease the load in the coming weeks and could return to the squad in November.
Writer’s View
Lincoln fans will be buoyed to hear that Jack Vale will finally be available for selection, even if he is eased into the team. The schedule over the next few weeks is a hectic one and they will need as many players at their disposal as possible.
Of course, Freddie Draper’s form in the league below will always mean that the attacking positions are further scrutinised, but this is a new era at LN5 and Shaw will be hoping to kick off his temporary tenure with three points at Highbury this afternoon.
Head of Writing
