Deadline Day signings Lee Angol and Matt Gilks both revealed their delight in joining Lincoln City following their moves from Sky Bet League One.
The Deadline Day additions took to the table in the weekly Press Conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Press Conference.
Angol was quick to discuss his excellent relationship with Danny Cowley and the football club which made it an easy decision to return.
“I was checking every week how Lincoln were doing, I had a connection and it was something I will never forget. I have spoken a lot to Danny on the phone since," Angol said.
“Danny knows I love him, I will become a better player here and every day I know I am getting better. John [Akinde] is a real leader and I can’t wait to play with him and learn from his experience which he brings to the side.
“I have messaged my friends saying how the standard here is way above anywhere I have been, that isn’t disrespecting Shrewsbury but I can really tell the direction the club is going in, it is a positive vibe.
"I loved my time here last time. The fans, the environment and the staff, I progressed a lot under that and it was an easy decision to come back. I have always wanted to come back here, especially with the fans, they are incredible and I love it."
Angol scored five times in 11 appearances during the back end of the 2016/17 season, and played a key role in City's return to the EFL.
“He did really well for us on loan and helped us get out of the National League. We have spoken a lot on the phone and he has always been someone we wanted to have here.
“The objective was to look at areas and possible things which could stop us getting promoted, we have now looked at those things and are in a really strong position with competition in every area.
“Competition is such a good thing as it drives standards, they shouldn’t see each other as rivals they should be best friends because they can help each other improve.
“We are in a really strong position, Lee has real ability and is flexible because he can play up there in a number of positions. We got the best out of him last time around and we will want to get the best out of him now.”
Lincoln’s second deadline day signing saw experienced goalkeeper Matt Gilks join the ranks from local rivals Scunthrope United.
The former Scotland international won promotion to the Premier League with Blackpool in 2010 via the play-offs.
“Lincoln wanted me, I was waiting for the phone to ring for me to sign at another club I had been talking to but Lincoln came in and then there was no hesitation from me. It was late last night but I came in today and I am looking forward to getting started," Gilks said.
“I want to bring what the manager wants and being a massive football fan you read about Lincoln a lot so I know the direction we are going in.
“I have not played for a while and I now have the opportunity to do that. I can also help the two young lads, I will try and bring Smithy (Grant Smith) out of his shell because us keepers are crazy and he’s a quiet lad.”
Gilks previously won Blackpool player of the Year during the 2013/14 season after making 46 SkyBet Championship appearances for the club that campaign.
“The previous clubs I have been at don’t even have fans at home like Lincoln take away so it just shows what a great job the manager is doing here for the club and the city,” said the 36-year-old shot stopper.
“I watched the game against Bury and Lincoln looked strong. Bury were lucky to get a draw that night. We will be producing characters as well as better footballers, I think the league position doesn’t lie.
“I will be honest, Lincoln should look at themselves as a league one team ready to progress from there because there isn’t much difference between the top of league two and the bottom half of league one.”
Cowley spoke highly about his new goalkeeper saying: “He’s been there, seen it and done it at every level.
“He’s played in the Premier League and for Scotland at the international stage. He brings experience to the side and is a really good signing for the football club.
“He is similar to Shacks [Jason Shackell], Neal Eardley and Lee Frecklington in the fact that he brings experience to the side which benefits the other lads.”
Lincoln travel to Notts County this weekend as they look to continue their impressive form at the top of the SkyBet League Two table.
The Imps picked up a point at Gigg Lane last Saturday in their clash with Bury which was broadcasted on Sky Sports.
Cowley spoke about this weekend’s match against the Magpies saying: “Our focus is on us, we will keep performing to the levels that we have been.
“We are like a Premier League club with the following we have away from home. It is incredible, we should speak about it as how lucky we are to have that support.
“They have been unconditional, they can get frustrated with certain decisions but we know how much they care and love the club. We feel really privileged, the players should also be proud for the way they have conducted themselves this season.”
