Michael Appleton: “We’ve had a good break and the players are excited to play tomorrow.”

Ahead of the Cambridge United fixture, Michael Appleton took stock of the Imp’s current situation following the enforced international break.

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

Start to the Season: The break had been timely following a slow start to the league campaign. That had at least been offset by some decent performances in the Papa John’s trophy. The Bradford game coming so soon after the Oxford match had helped. A clean sheet, attacking intent on the night with good aggression against a decent L2 side had been welcomed by MA.

MA had noted how slowly other teams having missed out via last season’s play-offs (from the Championship through to L2), had started their campaigns. There was also a further parallel in how Oxford’s season had panned out last time out.

On reflection, the end to last season may be just one factor contributing to the slow start. It also had to be borne in mind that there was a degree of change that needed to be accommodated this year. By MA’s reckoning, there were 5 changes to the starting 11 from the play-off final.

Whilst players were specifically recruited to suit the Imps style there is still a natural bedding in period of around two months. The players need games to facilitate that process so the glut of upcoming games should help with that process.

“Times have changed, we move on. It’s a new season, we’re looking forward to it. We’ve had a good break and the players are excited to play tomorrow”.

Out of Contract Potential Signings: MA doesn’t rule out making use of the unattached player market. It’s not ideal as he would prefer players coming in to be match-ready and able to add to the starting 11 immediately, or at least make a difference from the bench.

MA disclosed attempts had been made to sign some players but it was proving difficult. “We’ve attempted to sign and bring in players who are free agents already in the last week or so but they’ve gone onto other clubs in our league, getting four times as much as we can offer them”.

He didn’t bemoan the situation, with MA accepting the reality that club sustainability must take precedence over an open book on signing players.

Injury Situation: “The injury situation is one that is probably as difficult a period in terms of injuries over the last six months I’ve ever had”.

Dan N’Lundulu is closing in on a return. Unfortunately, Teddy Bishop rolled his ankle in training on Monday and is doubtful for Cambridge. He would be a big miss given his influential early-season performances. If not this weekend, Bishop should be looking at Tuesday’s match.

Lewis Monstsma has been physically unwell for a couple of days. It’s not Covid as he has been tested; it’s a bit of a mystery. In better news, Chris Maguire is in contention to play at Cambridge.

“Hopefully the likes of Chris Maguire can get back in the team, stay fit, stay healthy. Then further down the line the likes of Joe Walsh; all of a sudden you’ve got a better balance of youth and experience”.

Cambridge United: They currently have loads of momentum. They are on the back of only one league defeat in five and have included a couple of good wins amongst that start.

MA recalled he has had mixed success at The Abbey Stadium. In particular, one heavy defeat there in front of the Sky cameras had been a defining moment as a manager, going on to significantly help with his career development.

Writer: hulloutpost

Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!

Michael Appleton: "We've had a good break and the players are excited to play tomorrow."https://t.co/6ZDmQYbL9P#CamUTD #ImpsAsOne

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 10, 2021