Newly appointed Academy Coach Tom Shaw is really excited about the opportunity to work at Lincoln City, a club he describes as on the up.
Earlier today the Imps announced the arrival of former professional footballer Tom Shaw as their new Lead PDP Coach.
The former England C international played for a number of clubs throughout his career and brings with him a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch.
“I’ve had a week in the job, there has been a lot of admin so I am looking forward to getting on the grass with the lads next week,” explained Shaw.
“All of the staff have been fantastic and made me feel really welcome. I can see that there are some really good people at the club and I’m looking forward to getting cracking properly next week.”
The 31-year-old is a qualified UEFA 'A' License coach and has described the opportunity as an exciting one in his career: “I follow the club closely, I don’t live too far away and have played against them on a number of times. The job is a really exciting opportunity for myself and I feel like I am joining a club that are on the up. It is really exciting for me.”
Lincoln fans may remember Shaw from his time at Cambridge United, when the former midfielder scored against the Imps in April 2012.
He spoke about his memories of the club, praising the atmosphere from the fans: “I’ve won once against Lincoln and scored that night. I scored a penalty for Chester against Lincoln but I think it was the Matt Rhead show after that.
"It has always been a good atmosphere here but when I came back to watch the play-off semi final, the atmosphere was at another level.”
With previous coaching roles at Nottingham Forest and Derby County, Shaw believes he has the right experience to help the Imps academy side progress forward.
“I’ve played a lot of games and been at some good clubs as well as some not so good clubs. I’ve played under good managers and not so good manager’s.
"There is loads I have picked up and I have been through the journey the scholars are currently on will help as I have lived the transition from scholar to pro,” said Shaw who came through Rushden & Diamonds’ academy.
“I’ve had the taste of academy level, first team and university coaching so I feel like I am trying to find my feet in coaching so it will be an interesting transition. I’ll have to look at the game from the outside a bit more instead of being in the middle of it, but I have good people around me to support.”