The Imps’ new goalkeeping coach Steve Croudson has experienced a positive first day with the club after joining the club on Thursday.
Steve, joined The Imps from Hull City and said when the opportunity arose to come to LNER Stadium and join up with the coaching staff at the club, it was something that he just couldn’t refuse.
“I was very excited to join the club, when the opportunity came around it’s one which I couldn’t turn down.” Steve said.
“I was speaking to Jez [George] and he told me about how the club works and the ambition of the club and everyone here. Of course I also spoke to Michael [Appleton] as well. You could really hear more of the club’s desire to do well through his words, and it immediately became something I really wanted to be a part of.”
In his five years with The Tigers, Steve worked with numerous goalkeepers, including Scotland internationals, Allan McGregor and David Marshall and he admits that it’s working with top class ‘keepers which has helped him grow as a coach.
“I think going to Hull when I did, was a great experience and I got to work with a lot of really good goalkeepers which was the main thing. When you’re working with really good goalkeepers it’s really tests you as a coach. I really enjoyed that test, but I also ran a whole goalkeeper programme through the club, right down to the under 8’s which was a great experience.”
Working with the goalkeepers in the academy is something which Steve will continue to do now he’s with The Imps too as he will also coach City’s under 18 ‘keepers Sam Long and Ross Woolley as well as first team stoppers, Josh Vickers and Grant Smith who he met for the first time earlier this week.
“Both of the goalkeepers here are very hard working. I like talking to the goalkeepers and the players to push them and get the best out of them. I like to always ask for their opinion to find out the best solutions for them.
“I’ve had a good chat with them already. I’m here for them, and going forward they know they can talk to me and we will work on things that they want to learn, whether that’s what they experience in games or anything else.”
Steve's first taste of a Lincoln City match day in the home dugout will be this Saturday's home fixture against Tranmere Rovers. Tickets are on sale here.