MA: “It’s an opportunity now for the other players in the team.”

Michael Appleton understandably focussed on the embers of the January transfer window ahead of the game versus struggling Southend United this coming Saturday.

Incoming Players: Akeem Hinds has six months to put Max Melbourne under pressure, to push and press him in addition to having cover should Max get injured. TJ Eyoma comes from a top club and is the captain of Spurs’ U23’s side. Despite being young TJ is a physical specimen backed up by a strong character. MA was comfortable with going for younger CH cover having been bolstered by encouraging scan results on Bossie. He wasn’t expecting MB to be back until the end of February or even early March but now he could be available by the second week in February.

MA is in talks with other clubs regarding a striker plus somebody to fill another position. However, it is more in hope than expectation with MA clarifying it would be stupid to not always be seeking to strengthen. That said the prospect of anybody else coming is entirely out of Imps’ hands and down to the parent clubs of the players in question.

Existing Loan Players: Joe Morrell and Jake Hesketh will remain with City until the season end. JM over the last 8/10 games has been putting in the type of performances that MA expects from a player of his ability and international standing. There had been a bit of a dip previously but following a one to one with Joe he has responded so well backing it up with his recent form. Jake Hesketh had injury problems, played a few games, then had an indifferent spell but now has a wonderful opportunity to get back into the team.

Tyler Walker: Unless ‘it is set in stone’ there is always a danger of losing loan players at some point during the season. Even more so when an individual has it in their head that they want to go back. TW has the possibility of playing in a promotion-winning Championship side or teeing up a decent move at the end of the season. Although disappointed with the late timing of the recall MA wasn’t completely surprised which is why he acted to get Tyreece in early; also another positive of anticipating TW may get recalled was to get Tom Hopper signed up on a permanent contract. MA has made the players aware that it is important for all areas to chip in with goals and wishes TW all the best for the future having had a fantastic first half of the season.

Other Departures: MA is hopeful – expecting is too strong a word – that some players will leave before the deadline. Both he and the players can see the importance of them moving to get some football before the end of the season. In the event that some players don’t move in time MA can 100% see the benefit of ‘coming to an arrangement’ with some players but ONLY if that is good for both parties.

Squad Balance: It’s one thing having loan players from big clubs but the caveat is that at some point during the season it is to be expected there will be disruption regarding their futures. Therefore it is important to try and sign as many of ‘your own’ players going forward which MA is keen to focus on from the summer. Fortunately, MA has planned for the eventualities so the emphasis for the remaining 15 games is to pick up as many points as possible whilst continuing to work hard on assembling a squad over the summer that can challenge at the top of the table next year.

MA knows the ability of the players at his disposal and accepts that the younger players will be inconsistent at this stage. He has not been able to train much with the players recently due to the number of games but sees that situation improving particularly during March/April where partnerships can expect to be worked upon. The really important thing right now is to get behind the players, in particular, the recent recruits.

Opponents: MA having reviewed the matches in full against two strong sides in Ipswich and Portsmouth takes heart that there was absolutely nothing (performance-wise) between them and Imps. He is not one of those that has already written off Southend’s season as they are now playing without pressure. In truth, until Imps start to pick up away points regularly such thoughts would be inappropriate anyway. Therefore MA remains respectful of Southend but is really looking forward to the game and picking up some points in order to bounce back quickly. He is not aware of any reason why Tom Hopper couldn’t play against his former side.

Writer: hulloutpost

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MA: "It's an opportunity now for the other players in the team."https://t.co/WEv30FO5m7#Blues #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) January 31, 2020

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