Tom Shaw Discusses Tactical Changes ahead of Fleetwood Trip

Tom Shaw spoke to the press this morning for the first time since he took the role as interim head coach on Wednesday evening.

Photo: Chris Vaughan

Tom Shaw spoke to the press this morning for the first time since he took the role as interim head coach on Wednesday evening.

Shaw was appointed as the interim head coach on Wednesday, following the dismissal of Mark Kennedy and Danny Butterfield. He has been with the club for over five years, initially playing a significant role in the academy before transitioning to a position as a first-team coach.

Liam Scully spoke to BBC Radio Lincolnshire on Thursday to give fans clarity over Kennedy’s dismissal. While there were multiple reasons discussed, there was some emphasis on the style of play, particularly in possession. Shaw aims to build on the out-of-possession style that he managed when Kennedy was at the club, but he also intends to make some adjustments to the team’s attacking style, granting the players more freedom.

He said: “I have led the out of possession style since Mike Garrity left so that side of our game will stay the same.

“With the ball, we want to try and allow the players to maximise their technical ability. It’s focused on Fleetwood, we are trying to find what will attack and hurt the opposition tomorrow. We did some tactical stuff on Thursday but if we don’t fight, dig in and make first contact in both penalty areas, we could come out on the wrong side of the result.

Shaw is hopeful that City can get a positive result tomorrow, and he has full confidence in the players’ abilities to perform at their best despite a tough week of upheaval.

“The players have been brilliant – they’re very together and drive each other on daily. This is the best group of players I’ll ever have the chance to lead. We know we’ve got a very tough game but we all feel really positive.”