Michael Appleton: “There were tons more positives than there were negatives.”

Ahead of the Fleetwood match Michael Appleton was upbeat regarding the start the Imps have made to the season and is confident of making further signings in the next week.

You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum!

Early Performances: MA was clearly pleased with the second half at Gillingham and the performance overall versus Shrewsbury. He felt if anything the players had produced better than expected after only a couple of games. It has been very good performance-wise.

“Obviously disappointed to go out the competition the other night but there were tons more positives than there were negatives”.

Player Availability: Lewis Montsma is still sore but MA is confident that he will be available for the game, albeit required to wear appropriate strapping (for his shoulder). He is training today and will be monitored accordingly. Adam Jackson was only rested, having an eye on the Fleetwood game and will also be available.

Teddy Bishop played well at Shrewsbury and along with Akeeb Adelakun they have needed building up gradually after coming into the squad later. Fitness-wise they are about on a par with each other now. Bishop has successfully completed a 70-minute performance and the next step will be a full 90 against either Fleetwood or Bolton.

Fleetwood: MA recognised several qualities within the Fleetwood squad. They are really dangerous on counter-attacks, possessing pace up front including former Imp Callum Morton. On Morton, MA recognised that due to the player suffering huge set backs with injuries he wasn’t at his best last season.

“Fortunate for Fleetwood and unfortunately for us, I think they’re probably going to see the best of Callum Morton this season. I’m sure he’ll do really well for them”.

MA went on to highlight the need for patience and concentration for the full 95 minutes of the Fleetwood game. They are hard to play against and when set, if they go with a five (defensively) are extremely hard to break down. The Imps players need to stick to the game plan and look to capitalise on any lapses in concentration from Fleetwood at any point in the game.

“If we’re not patient and don’t use the ball wisely it could be a frustrating day for us”.

Transfers: “At some point over the next five, six, seven days – very hopeful of bringing certainly two in. If we can get another one in that would be great”.

MA intimated that another three new faces would probably complete transfer business but didn’t rule out there could be further activity if the Imps were to receive an offer too good to resist for one of our players who needed replacing; or should one of the long term targets suddenly become available to him.

Writer: hulloutpost

Michael Appleton: "There were tons more positives than there were negatives."https://t.co/2RVkkDvDYQ#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #FTFC

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