Ahead of the Blackpool game Michael Appleton spoke candidly and confidently regarding settling in at Lincoln whilst outlining his realistic approach to acclimatising the players to what he wants from them.
Acclimatisation: It’s been important to get a feel for the club, environment and players over the first few days and the players have responded pretty well. The spirit has been good as you would expect with a new manager on board. Players will naturally look to impress whilst seeking to second guess what the manager may do or be thinking. It does take a while to get to know everybody properly, it is important to remember they are people and get to know what is going on in their lives. In previous jobs some people have questioned MA why he has taken certain courses of action and it is simply because he knows all the background information. It is good that the Blackpool trip has an overnight stay because MA can take the opportunity to speak informally with the players ‘over a coffee’ for example, in a more relaxed environment away from the formality of the training ground where players may feel in the spotlight if the manager asks for a word.
MA takes heart from the second-half performance at Rochdale as that showed to him the players have it in them but he returned to his mantra of the team has to learn how to stay in games for a long period. If the side stays strong, resolute then we have the players to score goals in the latter stages. Much of his early work has been looking at that. It’s no good overloading the players with info. as the players would get confused with MA ending up having to repeat himself so much as he is bursting with ideas and knowledge of what has worked for him in the past he has to reign himself him. Hopefully, we will see glimpses of the early changes taking effect at Blackpool. In the first instance, we will aim for more patience. When there is a goal scorer with the pace and movement of Tyler Walker there is sometimes the tendency to try and get the ball to him too quickly at regains and turnovers. There has to be balance. MA will aim to suck the opposition onto City with a view to disrupting their shape taking 2/3 more passes when necessary whilst in possession ourselves. That approach will allow TW to flourish. Sometimes you have to take a backwards step before improvements are seen (MA recognises and is relaxed about that) but provided the work is consistent and replicated ‘we’ will get better and better until eventually, the results will come.
It has to be remembered the club is going through it’s first difficult (on-field) patch in several years. The Cowleys rightly recognised the need for change at L1 level and had started the process so it is necessary to keep spirits up and understand it will take time.
Blackpool: MA remembers his short spell there fondly having a good reception from the players and fans. It was very different with a multi-national side and a sandpit of a pitch but he is not expecting an overly hostile return – if he does then Imps can use that to their advantage. Blackpool have a very changed look (positive) recently as evidenced by their successful early start to the season and results. They keep going to the end and City will have to match that. In Simon Grayson, they have arguably the most experienced and successful current manager at this level (4 promotions) who knows L1 well. Usually, Blackpool set up 3-5-2 utilising experienced players in key positions such as Jay Spearing. They are also able to tap into the pool of local talent provided by big clubs in their locality.
Who Are The League One Managers? No.3: Simon Grayson (Blackpool)
Player wise Jake Hesketh is doing OK. He is looking reasonably sharp and is in and around the group chomping at the bit. Bossie hasn’t been training but he’s in a good frame of mind enjoying some good banter with MA this morning. However, from what he knows of MB and has been told by the staff, Bossie doesn’t need much training and makes himself available in situations ‘you’ would think were impossible. MA expects to name his assistant manager before the Blackpool game.
Writer: hulloutpost
MA: "It will take time to get to where I want to.":https://t.co/0gN5ik62jc#BlackpoolFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 26, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2426740770695487
