Michael Appleton was in a festive mood ahead of the busy Christmas period, with Burton Albion first up on Boxing Day.
You can discuss what Michael Appleton said yesterday HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Burton Albion Quiz, which can be found just below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
Northampton: MA confirmed that The Imps had changed the approach slightly due to the wind and pitch conditions. He had been delighted by the positive start, epitomised by the forward run which led to the Anthony Scully early goal.
Upcoming Games: “We’ll go into them wanting to win every single game. We’ve had that attitude since the start of the season”. MA expects his team to continue a front foot, positive approach. He is pleased that his young group are continually learning and fully expects them to get ‘turned over’ a couple of times during the remainder of the season as they go through that process.
There may be a benefit to those sides having games called off over The Xmas period but MA very much prefers to play the games and get points on the board rather than play catch up. That’s his personal perspective and feels the majority of managers share that viewpoint.
Burton Albion: On whether playing another side battling for points at the wrong end of the table is difficult – MA: “It may have helped us having a couple of defeats because it sharpened the mind and the focus going into that game (Northampton). I hope just because we’ve had a fantastic result at Northampton we don’t loosen and step away from that”.
Burton do have some younger players but are very much an experienced side. Imps have to look out for shock results at this time of year because they do happen – just look at Shrewsbury who have won their last three games with a total of about 5 shots on target. The players will be mindful that Burton can be ‘at it’ and City could get punished if it’s one of those ‘wrong days’.
Player Situation: MA does not expect any players to return from injury for the Burton game, possibly some for Hull and very likely for Wimbledon.
There are always difficult decisions about leaving players on the bench, but he hasn’t recently had to make the really tough ones about leaving players out of the match day squad entirely.
MA then spoke about moving into the transfer window phase, “The excitement of the window opening happens. Then I’m sure me, you, you guys, all you’ll talk about”. MA outlined with the players returning to fitness, that whilst the loan market allowed to cover contingencies for any key players missing through injury, he wasn’t one for running with big numbers in his squad anyway.
The Evolving Game: In light of the revelation that the players will be partaking in a yoga session today, MA was keen to stress that although he would not be involved himself, he did not hold the title for being the stiffest man at the club. That dubious honour belonged to Steve Croudsen.
MA explained that the game had moved on over the last 10 to 20 years; certainly since he had started out as a player. Resultingly he was always happy to listen to the benefits and use them, in areas such as sports science, medical advances and training techniques to name just some.
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Burton Albion Quiz below:
Michael Appleton: "I hope just because we've had a fantastic result at Northampton we don't loosen and step away from that."https://t.co/VQRVKjXLTM#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #BAFC pic.twitter.com/PycaveIDqJ
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln1) December 24, 2020
