MA: “It’s important to stay true to what we’re about.”

Michael Appleton spoke to the press earlier today, ahead of Saturday’s match against Accrington Stanley in League One.

Not wishing to steal Hull’s thunder, but noted down some salient points from Appleton’s chat with the media this morning. Interesting to see he was mildly ‘grilled’ on Pett and Freck’s situation by both the local reporters and I think it was made pretty clear there is no chance either of them will be playing again for City will MA is in charge. Would have been intriguing if they pushed him a bit harder on the subject, although MA seemed to be getting slightly annoyed at the questioning.

Injuries: Couple of knocks and bruises from Tuesday night. Will reassess the squad today.

Morrell suspension: It is part and parcel of the game. Will be a while before he plays again, due to missing the next two matches and then having a free week, due to the Bury fiasco. He will manage him well across the next few weeks, but good for him to have a breather as he has played a lot of games. He has options, players are chomping at the bit.

Out-of-favour players: There is plenty of variety in training and there will be some friendlies in midweek given there is a run of midweeks without fixtures. Between now and the end of the season, there will be regular games for those not playing to keep them ‘topped up’.

Pett and Freck: The ‘ball is their court’, they will continue to train and stay as fit as they can, but we have plenty of options in midfield, some of whom it is hoped will be at the club for a ‘long, long time’. ‘It is important to stay true to what we are about and what we are going to do and be as honest and respectful as we can.’ Appleton likes to think he has been ‘as open and transparent with them as he could have been from day one’. (He seemed to get a little perturbed at Makepearce’s questioning at this point). ‘There is absolutely no chance at any time will they be training with the youth team, ‘it is not my style. They will be training as part of a big group.’ There were a group of 25 training the other day and they were split up as it is ‘impossible to work with such a big group’. He said having conversations with Pett and Freck is ‘easy’ if you are honest with them, straight with them. He hopes they appreciate his honesty.

Edun: Appleton hopes to see him more as a central midfielder player, but he is more than capable of playing in more positions than just one. Having two or three players of this ilk helps to utilise the budget better.

Accrington: Tough game, they got a good win in midweek. They make it difficult for teams at home. Choosing his words carefully, he said ‘it’s not a great place to visit and they make it as difficult an environment as they can.’ City go into it having to think it will be the most difficult game of the season. Mentally you have to to be in the right frame of mind. On City at Sincil Bank, he added ‘you need to create the best squad possible and then the fans help to make home venues as intimidating as possible, which they have done numerous times this year’. It could come down to who makes the least mistakes on the day.

Who Are The League One Managers? No.1: John Coleman (Accrington Stanley)

Loan players: A juggling act at the moment. Eyoma arrived late in the day, but wasn’t too sure how long Bostwick would be out for. With Morrell out, Eyoma could be involved, although Bozzie could be back as he has trained this week.

Writer: The Imposter

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MA: "It's important to stay true to what we're about.":https://t.co/veI7FKyah2#ASFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps

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