‘Who knows where they can take us?’ – David Kerslake on exciting Imps future

I got the opportunity to speak to David Kerslake this week, ahead of the MK Dons programme piece this weekend.

I’ve been looking forward to this, I recall him as a player getting into the PFA Team of the Year three years on the spin, then appearing for Spurs alongside the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann. You can read a little about that in the programme this week, which can be purchased from Ignition Media here.

Surprisingly, for a man who did enjoy a top-flight career, Kers (as he is known around the club) is reticent to discuss his time as a player with the current squad. Instead, he prefers to focus on the here and now, Lincoln City, and why we have gelled so quickly.

Remember, we might be in a tough period with injuries and form, but this side has gelled super quick and has all the hallmarks of a successful future side. I asked Kers exactly what he put that down to.

“The manager,” replied the 54-year-old. “If you look at his record over the years, he does unbelievably well with young players. He’s got no fears of putting them in either. The coaching Rich, I and the rest of the staff watch him do is second to none.”

As well as the work Michael Appleton puts in, hard work during the early pandemic around transfers has certainly paid off.

“We worked hard over the summer with recruitment and we feel we brought in young players who are of value to the football club. I don’t think you’ll see the best of them until next year, but who knows where they can take us?”

Alongside the young players we also have some experience, with Joe Walsh one of the older heads in the side. Joe penned a new deal this week which will keep him at the club for the next couple of years, and Kers was keen to outline exactly what the former MK Dons man brings to the table.

“He’s an outstanding player Joe,” added our Assistant Manager. “Not only does he give us balance on that left hand side, but I haven’t seen a better footballing centre half this year.

“He’s got pace, he’s aggressive and whether he’s playing with Jacko or Lewis, he certainly gives us a balance to the team, so it’s great he’s signed a new deal with the club.”

That is just a small taster of what you can find in the programme, where Kers explains the similarities between the Imps and a hugely successful team he played in, as well as discussing the progression of our youth team players in more depth. Don’t miss out!