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Defining a Season : 2008/9
By theimps.tk
June 2 2009
It's that time of year again when we look at the main reasons why our season went the way it did. We look at some of the most memorable, controversial and turning-point moments of the season.

After an exciting end to the 2007/8 season when Iffy Onuora had gained the results to save us from relegation, City fans were excited after a run of three wins from the final four games. A mass clear out, including long-serving Alan Marriott, gained mixed reactions from City's fans, but new faces were aplenty. Stefan Oakes, Rob Burch, Frank Sinclair, Aaron Brown, Janos Kovacs, David Graham and Kevin Gall, the so-called Magnificant Seven, signed up to the club, as well as players such as Adrian Patulea.

However, the most pleasing face to see on the first day of the season was that of Peter Jackson's. The manager had recovered from throat-cancer and most were glad to see him back. His personal enthusiasm rubbed off on many and the now infamous "envy of League Two" quote gave City fans many things to look forward to.

Despite the many new signings and hype, City infact came within about 15 minutes of recording their worst ever start to the season. The Imps had already lost to Rotherham, Dagenham and Wycombe and Grimsby were next to Sincil Bank. The Imps were yet again limp and were 1-0 down going late into the second half, fifteen minutes away from losing the first four games of a season for the first time in their history. However, Lee Frecklington scored from the spot and City's season started there.

A few weeks later and City were going on a nice little unbeaten run and five wins from six in October saw City climb to 8th in the table, meaning that exactly two years ago after the John's won it, Jackson won Manager of the Month and just like the aforementioned, the season also changed from that point onwards.

The most controversial match of some time took place at Rockingham Road in the FA Cup. The game itself wasn't actually that controversial with the sides forcing a replay after a 1-1 draw, but midway through the second half and a Kettering fan, and I use that word loosely, started shouting racist abuse at City's black players. This sparked outrage but the narrow minded fans of Kettering, as well as their arrogant Chairman, called Jackson a liar and that we were just making excuses for almost losing to them. Call Peter Jackson a lot of things but I don't think he would lie about something like that. An apology was never received from Kettering.

The season continued to stumble along with the Imps rarely looking to get out of midtable, but they were starting to show some fighting spirit. A trip to eventually promoted Gillingham saw a come-from-behind victory thanks to Dany N'Guessan's last minute goal, before City recovered from 3-1 down to draw with Bournemouth.

However, the Imps rarely looked like anything other than midtable also-rans. The unlikely Playoff dream didn't end until April and the season ended in a disappointing fashion with few optimistic thoughts for next season.

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2 Jun, 2009 22:00 Report
theimps.tk (IP Logged)
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Defining a Season : 2008/9
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