Michael Appleton: “The problem we’ve got at the minute is we haven’t actually got many options.”

Ahead of the League One clash against Plymouth Argyle, Michael Appleton was in the mood for some candid speaking.

You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!

Injury Update: The now obligatory review provided a little more detail regarding some of the players in recovery. Chris Maguire is back in training and whilst it is probably too soon for him to be involved v Plymouth, there is a possibility of him appearing against Sunderland.

Joe Walsh has also started to train and whilst he has missed a lot of football he is looking lean and fit. MA will have a discussion with Joe about the feasibility of him also maybe having some minutes in the Sunderland game.

Adam Jackson has been available from the bench in emergency only and will take the opportunity in the next couple of weeks to properly recover. Connor McGrandles is still some time away from being available.

Tom Hopper’s injury is not looking good. Although the scan is not showing a stress fracture, every other symptom indicates otherwise. He will undergo a bone scan to get to the bottom of the issue. Tom will have complete rest for a couple of weeks before looking at a low-impact exercise program for rehabilitation. Fortunately, TH is a naturally fit individual and has an excellent work ethic but even so it may well be the New Year before we see him play again.

Finding a Successful Formula: In light of the disappointing manner of defeat v Morecambe, MA perused the issues and gave his thoughts’

“The problem we’ve got at the minute is we haven’t actually got many options”, so MA is unable to ‘chop and change’ as he may wish to as a coach.

He did explain what option he is able to pursue though. “The one thing that you’ve got to try and do; it’s not easy as a coach, what I’m about to say because it’s got nothing to do with anything you do on the grass and training ground. Just try and give the players confidence, try and remind them they’re good players and they are capable of making better decisions than they are at this moment in time”.

MA will talk to the players, but also show them previous footage of them individually making good or bad decisions. It is important the players understand not to chase bad decisions, rather keep the game simple and natural.

Having reviewed the Morecambe game in detail and gone through it with the players, MA expressed his frustration that despite having an excellent 20-minute start, going on to create seventeen occasions throughout the match with good possession in the box, the team had only managed three attempts on goal.

MA remained upbeat that the team would be trained to keep recreating good positions and they would get there, however, the players need to take some personal responsibility.

“If you’re a striker or a wide player you’re in the team to produce, so whether that’s score goals or create goals”. Basically, MA cannot always look to the defenders and midfielders to do that job.

The possibility of Still Signing Free Agents: MA doesn’t completely rule out the notion but recognises that it is increasingly unlikely, and the club will have to dig in until January when MA can effectively make an impact. He outlined that agents are still asking ridiculous fees for their clients, yet all the time they are losing out on fitness and the period available to make any point of signing them diminishes the longer they go unattached.

Plymouth Argyle: MA noted that they still use a five at the back system deploying wing-backs. Where they have slightly changed is that they now deploy two genuine strikers rather than a 10 and are a little more direct as a consequence, with players looking to run in behind. Jethcott and Hardy are a handful and Imps will need to be aware of the threat they pose.

Plymouth have benefitted from retaining a largely settled squad which may explain why, unlike last season, they have now found a way to win those tight matches. They also have options available, for example, they roster four or five strikers whilst Imps only have two, and one of those is unavailable until January.

MA would himself like to work towards a settled squad and one sign of that is less reliance on loan players, albeit that can be a long process.

“If you can have as many players consistently around the football club for as long as we possibly can, then maybe we can get those consistency levels right”.

Writer: hulloutpost

We know that there are people that would like to contribute towards the development of The Stacey West Stand but won’t be able to put in the minimum of £500.00 towards the bond, so this is a great way to raise some money together and donate to this project! You can donate via the link provided below!

https://paypal.me/pools/c/8CALFvhl7i

Michael Appleton: "The problem we've got at the minute is we haven't actually got many options."https://t.co/BO6RC6uk14#ImpsAsOne #PAFC

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) October 1, 2021