Imps News

Michael Appleton: “Results haven’t been quite what we want or expect.”

|
Image for Michael Appleton: “Results haven’t been quite what we want or expect.”

Ahead of the Blackpool fixture, Michael Appleton understandably took stock of the situation, following the Imps Covid enforced lay off.

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 Blackpool Quiz, which can be found just below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!

Oxford Match: Whilst frustrated at losing, the goals conceded and not picking up any points, MA had a generally positive overview of the performance. “I was pleased and proud the way the players played. It was a difficult game; a lot of young players, playing out of position at times”.

Reflections on the Lay Off: The players are ‘under cooked’ no doubt. MA will have to approach the first few games like pre-season matches and spell the players, maybe using the full complement of substitutes available. The thinking is that by taking the risk now it may pay dividends by protecting the squad further down the line, especially for the last few games. Whether the lay off came at a good or bad time, ‘time will tell’.

MA observed he has only had one day of training with the players but it had been lively, decent stuff as you would expect. None of the previously Covid affected players are showing signs of illness albeit squad fitness has taken a hit.

Whilst acknowledging the players are under conditioned, MA did have this to say, “At the same time, looking forward to it (players and staff). You can tell there is a real sense of can’t wait to get out onto the pitch again”.

The State of Play: Regarding league position MA opined, “It’s been a difficult period obviously. Results haven’t been quite what we want or expect but there’s been some decent performances in there” MA empathised with how difficult it has been for a young group of players missing the vital influence of the senior, more experienced individuals. On the plus side, a number of the young players will have taken great strides in learning from the adversity they have faced. On a bullish note, MA is 100% certain the Imps will achieve their targets set for the season.

Blackpool: As is often the case during a season ‘you’ can face opponents at a good or bad time. With Blackpool being unbeaten for 13 games and a striker in fine form scoring goals; this would be a bad time. Imps will take recognizance of that but equally, Blackpool will have to be just as mindful of our good attacking options.

Injured Players: Max Sanders and Joe Walsh are fit and available. Both will need game time management but should be up to full speed in time for Burton or Hull. Joe is the type of player that even without training can manage his way through 90 minutes but MA would much rather protect him and avoid taking that risk if at all possible.

Liam Bridcutt still has a calf issue but has been in lockdown since Oxford so could only have a scan on the day of the press conference itself. MA will have more information going into the weekend.

Jorge Grant and Tom Hopper remain a good couple of weeks away (from fitness). Perhaps they may be available for the last few games but MA can’t plan, nor is holding out for that. That said, MA added, “It will be a big bonus to everyone if they become available. If we put ourselves in a position, going into those last 3 games of the season where we’ve still got a very good, reasonable chance of finishing in the top 6; they will obviously make us clearly stronger for those last 3 games”.

Writer: hulloutpost

Have a go at our Lincoln City v Blackpool Quiz below:

1 of 10

What is unusual about Blackpool's record victory (10-1)?

Share this article

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *