Rovers are back in action at the Eco-Power Stadium on Tuesday night when they take on Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup first round.
Gary McSheffrey’s side earned their first win of the campaign last time out as stoppage time goals from George Miller and Kieran Agard saw them beat Sutton United 2-1.
Here we provide all the details on our latest opponents:
Manager
Mark Kennedy succeeded Michael Appleton as Lincoln head coach in the summer on a four-year contract. The 46-year-old has built his coaching experience since retiring at the end of the 2011-12 campaign, initially joining the Academy staff at his previous club Ipswich Town.
Kennedy spent four years with Ipswich before taking up a similar position at Manchester City. A short stint as Macclesfield Town head coach followed in 2020, before he spent 12 months as Lee Bowyer’s assistant at Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City prior to taking the Lincoln job.
Start to the season
The Imps have started the campaign with back-to-back draws in Sky Bet League One. Mark Kennedy’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by promoted Exeter City on the opening day, with Tom Hopper cancelling out Sam Nombe’s opener.
They then produced a battling performance to pick up a point on the road at Portsmouth last time out, which saw them go up against former manager Danny Cowley at Fratton Park.
Key men:
Regan Poole joined Lincoln in January 2021 and has since established himself at the heart of the Imps’ defence with 77 appearances to his name to date.
The Welsh defender started his career with Newport County, and played 17 times in South Wales before a big money move to Manchester United at the age of 17. He rejoined Newport on loan and also spent time with Northampton Town, before a permanent move to MK Dons in 2019.
He showed his versatility at Stadium MK, and his form there persuaded then manager Michael Appleton to take him to the LNER Stadium.
Lasse Sorensen signed for the Imps in the summer of 2021 from Sky Bet Championship side Stoke City.
The Danish midfielder came through the ranks at the Bet365 Stadium and made eight first team appearances for the Potters. He spent time on loan with MK Dons during the 2020/21 season, which improved his experience within the EFL.
The 22-year-old played 35 games in his first season with Lincoln, scoring one goal. He has started their first two games of the current campaign.
Tom Hopper was named Lincoln City captain in the summer as he prepared for his third full season at the club.
The 6ft1 striker began his career with Leicester City, and made three first team appearances for the Foxes during his time at the King Power Stadium.
He had loans at Bury and Scunthorpe United before making the move to the Iron permanent in 2015. Hopper scored 24 league goals in 90 starts before joining Southend in the summer of 2018.
Hopper spent 18 months at Roots Hall but with the side struggling he was on the move again with Lincoln the destination. The 28-year-old has become a fan favourite and a handful for defenders with his physicality and work ethic. He is approaching 100 appearances for the Imps.
Last meeting
Rovers came out on top at the LNER Stadium when the two sides last met in February. Dan Gardner’s penalty was the difference with Lincoln down to 10 men late on after Joe Walsh was shown a red card.
