MA: “I know why we lost the game, but I still can’t get my head around it.”

Ahead of the Gillingham game Michael Appleton remained clear about both short and long term aims at the club as well as addressing how he has dealt with the recent disappointing results.

Fans Forum: It was good to talk and there were some sensible questions. MA concurred there is lots of hard work going on beneath the surface at the club to pursue the model of producing and developing our own players. Immediate success matters but for Imps to succeed as a club that development work is important.

Accrington: MA was angry after Accrington. If it had been earlier in his career he would have probably started a fight in the dressing room. He is less aggressive now which is partly down to age but also the reality is that as a manager MA has to lead people in a measured way. It is not about individuals, rather more it is about the group and ensuring they are in a good frame of mind. MA tries to be as honest as possible with the players without being brutal. MA can be more brutal within the ‘four walls’ with what being said by manager to players and vice versa remaining there. Immediately after the game wasn’t the time to speak with the players as emotions were high and MA would have said the wrong things. There was a much more measured review of the game on Monday involving a group discussion. Having watched the game three times MA knows why ‘we’ lost the game but still can’t get his head around it. These are the type of frustrations that a manager has to deal with. Imps need to stamp out the errors remaining 100% concentrated with the good news being that City are still creating opportunities. Referencing the comments about senior players MA highlighted that they had responded well backing it up by being great in training as he had no doubts they would do which has been consistent with their attitude throughout. When players are rightfully questioned in the correct manner there are no comebacks. There is a job to be done this year of which the players are more than aware.

Gillingham: MA feels like ‘we’ owe them one with hopefully the players feeling the same way. In spite of recent defeats, he feels that overall performances have deserved a better return than 1 point from 18 whereas the defeat at Gillingham was a true reflection of the performance on the day. It will be a much different team that faces Gillingham (personnel) from the one that played in the away game; MA expects the players to apply themselves in the right way and put in a decent performance. If that is carried out than MA believes Imps can beat Gills in spite of their 14 match unbeaten run. Such a run takes some doing so they have spirit and a good way about them. Gillingham are direct and controlled with Steve Evans having his own style, which is not for everyone, including MA. However, he has the utmost respect for all managers that he comes up against recognising that everyone has their own personality but ultimately ‘you’ have to stick to your own style.

Who Are The League One Managers? No.11: Steve Evans (Gillingham)

With John Akinde coming back so soon his determination to prove a point will be amplified. MA knows his strengths which will need nullifying but also knows his weaknesses. The atmosphere when the fans get the behind the team is magnificent and electrifying. If the Xmas home game atmospheres can somehow be replicated with fans staying positive and getting behind the players there will be massive opportunities to win games. A couple of (unnamed) players are 50/50 for the game injury-wise with some having been unable to train. MA is giving them time to prove their fitness but with the game looming decisions will need to be made; he will know more today.

Immediate and Summer Plans: No contract discussions will be held with out of contract players until the club’s status is confirmed. The immediate aim given recent results is getting that next win. For the remainder of the season, some small indicator of progress will be to finish higher than the other sides promoted along with Imps from L2 last year. With the January transfer window being more of a loan market MA believed it was fantastic to be able to bring in Tayo Edun, Max Melbourne and Anthony Scully on permanent deals. He is very aware that the height and physical stature of the side needs increasing but players with those attributes simply were not available in January in spite of that being a targeted area to address. Summer will be very different when lots of decent players with bigger physical attributes will be out of contract. However, they will not be signing for Lincoln if they are incapable of playing how MA wants them to.

Writer: hulloutpost

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MA: "I know why we lost the game, but I still can't get my head around it.":https://t.co/pycIhYUfSx#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #Gills

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