So, Just Who Are The Cowley Brothers?

MATT BADCOCK, of our sister publication The Non-League Paper, uncovers the secrets of the Lincoln City management duo…

MAKING THEIR POINT

Day one of pre-season training in their new job at Lincoln City and the Cowley brothers, manager Danny and his assistant Nicky, sit their new squad down and put on a video.

On the screen is a clip from a League Two game in May 2011. Quite why a group of Non-League footballers need to see some footage of a random game from five years ago soon becomes clear.

Lincoln City had just been beaten by Aldershot Town 3-0. It was the result that saw them slip out of the Football League, into Non-League football. The pain on the faces and the hurt the fans feel is clear to see.

Now, weeks out from the club starting their sixth season, the current incumbents of the famous red & white shirt understand it, too. For the Cowleys, it’s time to put that to bed. And do something about it.

FAMILY TIES

Danny and Nicky Cowley come from a football obsessed family in Essex. They grew up being coached by dad Steve, who knocked about in Non-League football, and they are West Ham United supporters.

Their first live game was at Upton Park for a League Cup tie against Oxford United. Nicky cried when West Ham scored because the loud cheer startled him.

Nicky played Football Manager - even creating a dug-out in his bedroom - and Danny pored over league tables. It was, his dad says, the only way to get him interested in maths.

Both carved out decent Non-League careers themselves and were known for their combative style. But injury forced Danny into an early retirement and the natural progression for the PE teacher was to go into management.