MK: “We’ve taken a short-term hit for a long-term profit in his performances.”
Mark Kennedy issued a strong stance on the policy of signing Irish players whilst previewing the home game versus Carlisle United.
QUIZ: How much can you remember from the last time The Imps played Carlisle United in a League match at Sincil Bank? Have a go at our quiz here or further down the page!
You can discuss what Mark Kennedy has said ahead of this match here, or in the comments at the bottom as well as get involved with our pre-match discussion, and many other topics on our 100% Imps forum!
The West Ham League Cup Tie: It will be a great night and one that the fans deserve for their sustained backing. It’s no surprise the tickets sold as quickly as they did. West Ham are an outstanding club with a manager to match.
“One thing we have to be clear about is we’re trying to win a cup game. We’re doing everything we can; it’s not a party”.
International Imps: Sean Roughan and Reeco Hackett have returned unscathed from their international service; as a coach, it’s always hard when the players are away. In the case of the latter that is of particular relief given the travel, time zones and flights involved. We are very proud of them as they should be about themselves.
“It’s a compliment to the group and to the players when you’ve got players out on international football. It means you’ve got something right”.
Jack Vale: He still isn’t ready and won’t be for another couple of weeks notwithstanding that was always going to be the case when he was signed. There have been no set-backs in his recovery from a long-term injury but he will need careful handling. If Jack was fit and representing Blackburn, he simply wouldn’t be coming to us, so he needs to get back to fitness. It’s a situation that suits all parties.
“He needed a club that would be prepared to wait for him, who believes in him like we do and I think we’ll be a really good fit for each other. So we’ve taken a short-term hit for a long-term profit in his performances”.
Players on Loan and Jovon Makama Situation: Jovon is playing really well and scored in a recent B team game, putting in an eye-catching performance. For reasons that MK didn’t want to go into presently, his short-term future will be resolved over the next week or two but it has to be the best for the player.
Whilst Freddie Draper’s Walsall performances have been to the fore, MK was pleased to report that all of the Imp’s players out on loan are doing really well. Whilst it is difficult for MK to take in matches himself (fixture clashes), be assured that the club regularly have staff monitoring the player’s live, in addition to the use of technology.
Jack Moylan and the Signing of Irish Players: MK was straight to the point when asked about the signing of Irish players.
“I don’t want to get labelled as an Irishman who just signs Irish players”
If good players become available then we are in the hunt for them and MK couldn’t care less where those players are from. If anything he is apprehensive of continually signing Irish players; something he is personally very conscious of. The flip side being that what is most important is what is best for the club; so if ‘they’re all Irish’ brilliant and likewise for Ireland.
On Jack Moylan specifically, “Good player, somebody the club identified some time ago. Somebody that the club wanted to bring in”, with MK looking forward to seeing him in November.
Carlisle United: The Cumbrians have made a solid start following promotion the preceding season. They benefit from having an excellent coach and have demonstrated how well-organised they are, possessing the ability to score goals. Within their team, they also have some good individual players.
As always if the Imps are not on their game they will come unstuck. Conversely, if the team are on their game then it is a great chance to pick up three points.
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