Michael Appleton: “Until that time we’ll just have to try and remain competitive.”

Despite the disappointing manner of the performance against Portsmouth, Michael Appleton showed he remained focused, driven, and grounded for the challenges ahead.

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Portsmouth: MA didn’t want to heavily repeat what he had said in the immediate aftermath of the game. He summarised that the Imps didn’t compete, win enough first balls, deal with direct play and as a consequence were pinned in ‘our’ half far too much. ‘We’ have to take it on the chin, take ‘our’ medicine and move on. The focus is now very much on Accrington.

Freddie Draper: MA responded to the query concerning the emergence of the young striker. He identified Freddie’s stature which is an unusual advantage for somebody who has barely turned 17. Whilst he doesn’t have electric pace he does possess the ability to run strongly, enabling him to maul defenders for want of a better word. What hasn’t been seen a great deal yet but MA expects to emerge if ‘we’ can get him into the right positions, is Freddie’s prowess as a goal scorer.

Naturally, it is important to manage his game time carefully. 17-year-olds want to play every game but it is not feasible to expect young players to cope mentally, let alone physically with the demands of games every three days. MA will carefully pick the games to start with Freddie or introduce him from the bench, thus try to keep him in that ‘sweet spot’.

“Over the next six, twelve, eighteen months we could have a right player on our hands”.

Expectations for the Next Month: MA assessed the position the club is in and what needs to be done during the games remaining before the January transfer window. It is important the team keeps it’s head above water, given that the Imps have a small squad and candidly have not coped well with the injuries. MA does take some encouragement that with the exception of the Portsmouth game, the team has performed well in patches and should have converted a couple of the recent draws into victories.

“We are where we are as a football club. If people don’t like that, unfortunately, it’s the truth; that’s where we are, it’s who we are. Now, with a bit of quality, hopefully, we can add a bit of quality to what we’ve got – yes we can do better, yes we will do better. But until that time we’ll just have to try and remain competitive”.

Accrington Stanley: MA made a point of recognising the very, very good job that John Coleman does at Accrington, especially against the back drop of modern football finances. Accrington like Lincoln are up against the huge financial disadvantage compared to some other clubs. That gap is always there but it is beyond some people’s understanding, especially this season. Resultingly Coleman has had to churn his squad – 17 or 18 different players than last season – as only the biggest spending clubs can hold onto players. That does not foster consistency and it is a battle to keep chasing the preferred formula and philosophy.

He does benefit from the support of an understanding board and fans, something which MA is also hopeful that he receives. In spite of all those challenges, Coleman ensures Accrington remain competitive at all times.

Accrington’s poor recent run of form has coincided with their talisman, namely Bishop being suspended for the last three games. He does make a massive difference and his return in conjunction with their own midweek defeat will make them a dangerous proposition on Saturday. Accrington do however concede a lot of goals, which has also been noted by MA.

“We’ve got to get that balance right; know where and when to hurt them and knowing when to shut up shop”.

Writer: hulloutpost

Have a go at our Lincoln City versus Accrington Stanley Quizzes, published last season (they were all correct at the time they were published):

Michael Appleton: "Until that time we'll just have to try and remain competitive."https://t.co/9ULUKKTQW0#ImpsAsOne #ASFC

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) November 26, 2021