Michael Appleton: “If he’s not scoring goals, he’s definitely going to give us something different.”

It was an eclectic discussion with Michael Appleton ahead of the Ipswich Town (managed by Paul Lambert) fixture on Saturday.

You can discuss what Michael Appleton has said ahead of tomorrow’s match HERE and you can also get involved with many other threads on our 100% Imps forum! Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!

Expectations: Nothing has changed because of the good start, this is a long term project. The targets have been set and if the good start continues beyond 20 games that may be a time to re-visit the targets. There is a vibrancy, a different feel this year but that can be explained by having a young group.

Covid: MA touched upon the Covid situation and mentioned that Ryan Lowe had given him a courtesy call ahead of the Plymouth match to explain The EFL doctor had advised the two Argyle players concerned to go into isolation. Ryan had expressed the desire to press ahead with the match feeling he had the numbers and strength to cope and MA feels that in the same situation he would hope to do the same thing. Living with the threat, a positive Covid test is something that is likely to happen and MA is ready for that scenario. It would be nice for the footballing authorities to implement some support for Covid testing but of course, it comes down to funding.

Ipswich: They would have expected to go up last season and but for Covid, who knows. They have a squad of 30+ and a lot of managers would be envious to have those resources at their disposal. They will back themselves and fancy a promotion push this year. They have a younger more energetic group now. Having watched them, MA is aware of some tactical changes from last season which he has planned for – without giving anything away (laughs) in case Paul (Lambert) is watching.

The players have come through unscathed from midweek with no new injuries. Adam Jackson has had a fitness test and is probably still not quite ready. MA is delighted with Joe Walsh who has used his experience in-game and between games to manage his fitness. Not only that he has performed notably well.

MA acknowledged the experience that JW along with AJ, Liam Bridcutt and Tom Hopper provide and that is precisely why they have been recruited to supplement the young group. Their value has already been evident this season in some games where the Imps have encountered sticky periods or negotiated going behind.

Who Are The League One Managers? No.12: Paul Lambert (Ipswich Town)

Brennan Johnson: MA confirmed he knew Brennan had been tweeted by David Beckham following his successful outing against Plymouth. He explained that Brennan’s father (David) was a close friend of Beckham and Dave Gardner. There had been a close-knit social group from MA’s year group at Manchester United.

MA himself had gone to the wedding of Brennan’s parents so he has personally known Brennan a very long time. He was very aware that Brennan will bring a lot to the team with his direct play and will provide assists in addition to his goals. In spite of already winning three penalties, MA felt he could have had a couple more and pointed out there was a better shout for a penalty against Plymouth just before the one that was actually given.

Writer: hulloutpost

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Michael Appleton: "If he's not scoring goals, he's definitely going to give us something different."https://t.co/gr0Rwm9LIo#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #ITFC pic.twitter.com/qvz16AzByf

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