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- Glenn Brookes - Burton Mail

9th January 2001
Hailing as he does from Inverness, John McGinlay must be used to seeing the odd flake of snow or hard frost.

But when you have just been appointed to your first managerial post and are trying to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your new squad, constantly having games postponed because of the weather is not top of your agenda.

McGinlay has seen his new Gresley Rovers charges in competitive action just twice in the three weeks he has been manager - the 4-1 Dr Martens Cup victory and last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Congleton Town in the third round of the FA Trophy.

One of McGinlay's priorities when he arrived at the Moat Ground was to have a good look at his players, but that is something he has had little chance to do.

Said McGinlay: "Just when you think you are over the worst of the weather it comes back again, We can't seem to get going at the moment and the lads are getting a bit frustrated at not playing."

McGinlay admits the weather problems have set him back in trying to assess the players he already has and looking at players he may bring in to strengthen the side.

"As well as the fact we have not been able to see everyone in action, we have also wanted to go and look at other players but their games have been postponed also. The fact that Wednesday night's reserve team game was called off was disappointing because those who were due to play were not there as a punishment but because they need games to get their fitness back and we need to look at them. As a result we had a good hard training session to try and lift everyone's fitness levels - because that are not as high as they should be."

Despite the problems he has encountered since joining the club, McGinlay still feels he is building up a good picture of the players he has at his disposal.

"I am getting a good idea of what the players can do and you can still see that in training," said the Scot. "There are a few players I have not seen in action yet and until I see everyone I will not be thinking about bringing players in."

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Lincoln Pre-match News

At home to:
Willenhall Town (UniBond President's Cup 2nd Round)

Tuesday 14th October, 7.45pm

View previous encounters with Willenhall Town