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Sam_Parker Offline Feb 19 2008, 13:35 PM

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Our dynamic duo will be answering your questions from noon on Friday.

You may wish to ask them about Lincoln's outstanding run of games, the reception afforded Peter Jackson during the home game against Macclesfield, their thoughts on the money troubles of Saturday's opponents Rotherham or anything from the world of sport.

All posts will be moderated for foul and abusive language and inappropriate content.
jonathanricketts Offline Feb 19 2008, 15:18 PM

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Would you say that you support Lincoln City? I imagine it is more follow them but if you are not a fan already could you see yourself turning into one?
Also, it's June and Lincoln are still in League 2. Assuming players who are surplus to requirements have been removed but the 'core' is still there, which areas of the field do we need reinforcements in, in order to see us in the top three next season?
ncfcimp Offline Feb 20 2008, 12:03 PM

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for Leigh -


would you rather Liverpool win the Champions League or Lincoln City go up this season?

WHY?
Derek-T Offline Feb 20 2008, 17:29 PM

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Hi Leigh

In your career have you ever just missed out on talking to someone really famous in sport? eg say an England captain or sporting icon. How did you feel? and do you think you could ever get over missing out on such an opportunity to put your undoubted talents to the real test?

Derek T.
Leigh_Curtis Offline Feb 22 2008, 12:47 PM

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Hi folks, sorry for the delay. A few technical glitches have upskittled us here at Echo Towers, but Whiley and I are now available to chat so kiss my face!

Whiley and I will talk about anything you want so get firing your questions to us now.
Leigh_Curtis Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:01 PM

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Last Edit: 22 Feb 2008, 13:08
Quote:
jonathanricketts at Feb 19 2008, 16:18 PM wrote
Would you say that you support Lincoln City? I imagine it is more follow them but if you are not a fan already could you see yourself turning into one?
Also, it's June and Lincoln are still in League 2. Assuming players who are surplus to requirements have been removed but the 'core' is still there, which areas of the field do we need reinforcements in, in order to see us in the top three next season?


I am a Liverpool fan first and foremost. However, I would be lying if I didn't say I had a soft spot for the Imps.

Not a lot of people know this, but I held a season ticket from around 1994 to 1999 because my grandad and dad are both massive Imps fans.

We used to sit in the Echo Stand and my seat number was N26. The finest hour was watching Lee Thorpe and Terry Fleming score against Brighton in 1998 for a 2-1 victory which sealed promotion.

In that season, Ian Wilkins played a couple of games and having been to school with him at Robert Pattinson, I knew him fairly well. I just remember the celebration being a very drunken one. I can recall dancing with Gavin Gordon, Wilko and Paul Smith in a huddle in the middle of Ritzys shouting "We are going up". What a night that was.

I went to every game the following season in Division Two and travelled with a lot of good friends who sit up in the Co-op stand, so a big shout out goes to Clive, Rob, Dean, Gary and Phil. They are superb Lincoln fans.

I definitely do have a hearty affection for the Imps, but when it comes to Liverpool, there is no debate. Watching them win the Champions League in 2005 was THE best night of my life.

Onto your second point. It's June and I would strenghthen every area of the pitch. A central defender is needed, another central midfielder, two wingers and a striker with pace.

Five quality additions in those areas added to what is already there would make the Imps a top three team. But you need to pay the brass to get the quality in through the door.

chilledoutimp Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:04 PM

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Hi Mark and Leigh....
With your dealings with the new assistant boss Iffy Onuora so far, can you tell us fans what kind of man he is?
How will the players react to him after Peter Jackson begins his treatment and is he likely to get the best from them as Jackson does.
What sort of football can we expect and will he favour the same players. Also, will he have total control or will Jackson be having an input from afar..
Hope you can help

mark_whiley Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:04 PM

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Quote:
jonathanricketts at Feb 19 2008, 16:18 PM wrote
Would you say that you support Lincoln City? I imagine it is more follow them but if you are not a fan already could you see yourself turning into one?
Also, it's June and Lincoln are still in League 2. Assuming players who are surplus to requirements have been removed but the 'core' is still there, which areas of the field do we need reinforcements in, in order to see us in the top three next season?


Hi Jonathan

I am actually an Imps fan of more than 12 years, but I'm also a Boston and Scunny sympathiser having reported on them in the past.
Even if I wasn't a City fan, I would have developed a soft spot for them. Despite what some people may think, most journalists do want the team they're covering to be successful. It makes our job much more enjoyable - and also a bit easier.

As for the squad, I would like to see it strengthened in every area. As well as Lincoln are playing at present, I'm not convinced the current crop has the strength in depth to mount an automatic promotion challenge.
At the top of my list though would be a couple of pacy wingers.


mark_whiley Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:13 PM

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Quote:
chilledoutimp at Feb 22 2008, 14:04 PM wrote
Hi Mark and Leigh....
With your dealings with the new assistant boss Iffy Onuora so far, can you tell us fans what kind of man he is?
How will the players react to him after Peter Jackson begins his treatment and is he likely to get the best from them as Jackson does.
What sort of football can we expect and will he favour the same players. Also, will he have total control or will Jackson be having an input from afar..
Hope you can help


Thanks for your question chilledoutimp

I've not actually spoken to Iffy yet, but Keith Alexander, who knows him well, told me he is a thoroughly nice chap.
I reckon he's a good appointment because he has bags of experience, as a player, manager and coach.
I'm sure the players will react well to him, as he has the complete trust of Jackson.
As for the football, I would expect him to carry on Jackson's good work. They'll be no drastic changes to the formation, style of play and personnel. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Also, during his breaks from treatment, I would imagine Jacko will be on the other end of the phone for Iffy and Grant Brown.


Leigh_Curtis Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:15 PM

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Quote:
ncfcimp at Feb 20 2008, 13:03 PM wrote
for Leigh -


would you rather Liverpool win the Champions League or Lincoln City go up this season?

WHY?


What a question and one which is really hard to answer. I would love Lincoln to go up, purely because over the last few seasons, the players and staff behind the scenes have worked so hard to get Lincoln where they are today.

From a journalisitic point of view, I would want them to go up as it would be a fresh challenge, new grounds to visit and much more. Hopefully, on e day it will happen.

Liverpool are the club for me on the fan front. But I' not really bothered about the Champions League, the Premiership crown is what I really want. But we are a long way off from reclaiming that back.
Leigh_Curtis Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:23 PM

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Quote:
Derek-T at Feb 20 2008, 18:29 PM wrote
Hi Leigh

In your career have you ever just missed out on talking to someone really famous in sport? eg say an England captain or sporting icon. How did you feel? and do you think you could ever get over missing out on such an opportunity to put your undoubted talents to the real test?

Derek T.


Hi Derek,

Steven Gerrard was at the recent Accrington Stanley game as I'm led to believe he's best mates with the goalkeeper, Ian Dunbavin.

I didn't realise that he was there until I got a text on the way home and to say I was distressed just doesn't come close. Stevie is a legend, a world class player and someone who is the consumate professional.

I would have love to have met him, but this time I missed out. On the way home I just descended into a big mardy.

Then my mood wasn't helped after Mark and I were left traipsing the streets of Saxilby at 1am. I had left my car keys and mobile in the car I had been in and when Whiley tried to save the situation, both of his mobiles lost their battery.

So we had no means of contact, until we realised that we were in front of the team coach and proceeded to stand on the side of the A57.

The coach soon zoomed over the hill and Whiley and I were madly trying to flag it down. But it just drove straight past. I finally got in a 2pm after finding a phone box and calling a taxi! All in all, it was a mad night.
Chopper_imp Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:27 PM

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Do you think the manager of the month will be his? Obviously Hereford are running a close second..

Chopper - www.justgiving.com/lincoln10kforjacko
Leigh_Curtis Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:37 PM

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Quote:
Chopper_imp at Feb 22 2008, 14:27 PM wrote
Do you think the manager of the month will be his? Obviously Hereford are running a close second..

Chopper - www.justgiving.com/lincoln10kforjacko


I'm certain the manager of the month will be his. He's been on a great run and had some great results as well.

Congratulations on running the 10k for Jacko by the way. I think it's fantastic of you and certainly for a worthwhile cause.

A few of us here will stick some money in for you to run the 10k. John Pakey, the sports editor, has promised too as well. I'd take advantage of that while the offer is on the table!


Swiss_Toni Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:44 PM

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Is Jackson right to mention promotion ...or should we just concentrate on staying up.

Is a bird in the hand worth two in the bush?
imp2612 Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:48 PM

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Hi gentlemen, first time poster.

What advice would you have for a college student who wants to become a sports journalist? What would be the right paths to follow?
Derek-T Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:52 PM

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Quote:
Leigh_Curtis at Feb 22 2008, 14:23 PM wrote
Quote:
Derek-T at Feb 20 2008, 18:29 PM wrote
Hi Leigh

In your career have you ever just missed out on talking to someone really famous in sport? eg say an England captain or sporting icon. How did you feel? and do you think you could ever get over missing out on such an opportunity to put your undoubted talents to the real test?

Derek T.


Hi Derek,

Steven Gerrard was at the recent Accrington Stanley game as I'm led to believe he's best mates with the goalkeeper, Ian Dunbavin.

I didn't realise that he was there until I got a text on the way home and to say I was distressed just doesn't come close. Stevie is a legend, a world class player and someone who is the consumate professional.

I would have love to have met him, but this time I missed out. On the way home I just descended into a big mardy.

Then my mood wasn't helped after Mark and I were left traipsing the streets of Saxilby at 1am. I had left my car keys and mobile in the car I had been in and when Whiley tried to save the situation, both of his mobiles lost their battery.

So we had no means of contact, until we realised that we were in front of the team coach and proceeded to stand on the side of the A57.

The coach soon zoomed over the hill and Whiley and I were madly trying to flag it down. But it just drove straight past. I finally got in a 2pm after finding a phone box and calling a taxi! All in all, it was a mad night.



What a night .. cant believe one of your mates didnt tell you about Stevie G.
Still if ever I see you at the side of the road I will stop - I promise!

mark_whiley Offline Feb 22 2008, 13:55 PM

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Quote:
Swiss_Toni at Feb 22 2008, 14:44 PM wrote
Is Jackson right to mention promotion ...or should we just concentrate on staying up.

Is a bird in the hand worth two in the bush?


Hi Toni

Great picture by the way, how is George?

Personally, I can't see City reaching the play-offs, but there's nout wrong with aiming high. I don't think we need to worry about going down any more. Another 6-9 points should do it. If they can't get that in their remaining games, they might as well give up.

I prefer a bird in the hand.


mark_whiley Offline Feb 22 2008, 14:02 PM

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Quote:
imp2612 at Feb 22 2008, 14:48 PM wrote
Hi gentlemen, first time poster.

What advice would you have for a college student who wants to become a sports journalist? What would be the right paths to follow?



He there and welcome

There are a number of paths you can follow. I went to college, then uni and got a job after that, but that's just one way of doing it.
The best advice I can give you is: get as much work experience under your belt as possible.
Sports journalism is very popular, as you'll probably know, and they're aren't enough jobs for everybody.
So if you can get stuff printed, it will impress potential employers.
Here at the Echo, we have people in on work experience virtually every week.
It's good for both parties - free labour for us and good experience for them.

Pop us an email if you want any more info.

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