New Imps manager to focus on defensive signings

New Lincoln City manager Gary Simpson was presented to the media today by club Chairman Bob Dorrian and Co-Vice Chairman David Parman at the 12th Imp Sincil Bank Stadium.

Dorrian began the conference by admitting that this appointment had been one they should have made earlier than it has been made by the club.

Simpson has been been Assistant Manager at the Imps under the late Keith Alexander and caretaker manager in the period after his departure from the club.

He admitted: “I always thought I would end up back here at some point.”

Following a career as a midfielder in English football, Simpson managed at local club Gainsborough Trinity and Macclesfield Town.

He arrives with the club two points above the relegation zone, with 12 games left and with the board admitting that “the consequences of relegation this season do not bear thinking about.”

Simpson was insistent that for his tenure at the club to be a success, the entire city would need to get behind the club: “We’re hoping everybody buys into it this time. We’re in a bit of a mess at the moment and now we need everybody to get on board.”

When faced with the question of where he feels the club need to strengthen he was very honest: “I’ve seen the team 6 times this season, and we are going to try to add 1 or 2 players to the ranks.

“Ideally, I want to improve every area of the team. It’s a little more difficult to improve up the top of the pitch, so I think I will try and focus on defensive signings and players who are bigger, stronger and more intimidating.

He added: “I think we need a minimum of 12 points to be safe. One point per game especially with the run of form that we have just been through.”

Simpson has been put off management since he was asked to stand down by Macclesfield Town Chairman Mike Rance on in March 2012 following a run of 16 consecutive games without victory.

However, Simpson insists that he has still been involved in football while out of management: “I’ve been doing a lot of player recruitment work and scouting for other clubs. I’ve not had time off from football.”

Simpson’s first game in charge of the Imps will be this Saturday’s away fixture at Woking.