Michael Appleton remained philosophical despite having injury concerns ahead of the midweek fixture with Portsmouth (managed by Kenny Jackett).
You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Portsmouth Quiz, which can be found below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
Doncaster: MA observed you can be a bit emotional straight after the match but having watched the game back it wasn’t as bad as you may think. It was a game of few chances in which we more than played our part but there is no doubt Imps were second best in the first half to second balls and duels which is unusual for us. City definitely played better in the second half. MA observed that if Imps didn’t compete more effectively he knew we would find ourselves behind to a Kenny Jackett team.
Portsmouth: Imps played well in both Portsmouth games last season particularly at Fratton Park with it being a source of frustration that Lincoln got nothing from the fixtures. There is a weight of expectation on Portsmouth where the minimum is Championship football. In Kenny Jackett, they couldn’t wish for a better manager to handle that pressure. He is a fantastic manager who has been around the block garnering success at numerous clubs.
MA is aware of Pompey danger from set plays and it is something the Imps have collectively dealt with well, bar the first couple of games this season. Imps need to be resolute, brave, aggressive – not let hard work be undone by a set play.
MA confirmed he had a number of injury worries and, to be honest it was a bit of a concern going into the game. He would try to ‘roll them out’ but if unable to, the younger players that come in will have their opportunity to stake a claim for the shirt. That is the culture that has been discussed at the club. Players coming in know that except for possibly tactical reasons, if they perform well they are more than likely to stay in the side going forward. It is a situation that MA envisaged this season and running with a smaller squad than some, it is precisely why he recruited 5 or 6 players that are comfortable playing different roles.
Regarding the longer-term injuries, Max Melbourne has just started full training but he is a good week away from selection. Callum Morton has not progressed as well as hoped and is seeing a surgeon tomorrow. The possibility of an operation may be an option that has to be reconsidered.
Who Are The League One Managers? No.18: Kenny Jackett (Portsmouth)
Lockdown: MA could spend days talking about it but would rather talk about football. Whilst there isn’t a testing regime in place the club follow protocols to keep the players and families as safe as they possibly can both at the club and away from it. Luckily there have been no positive cases in The Imps camp so far and the aim going forward is to eliminate postponements or have to go into games with 2 or 3 players missing.
In the absence of fans, MA takes some comfort in the advent of streaming platforms. It can only be a good thing that in some way the fans can remain connected to the club.
Writer: hulloutpost
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Portsmouth Quiz below:
Michael Appleton: "In terms of Kenny, they couldn't have anyone better."https://t.co/vtfLgOBxKn#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #Pompey pic.twitter.com/SPXy04wei3
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln1) November 2, 2020
