Michael Appleton: “When his name’s on the team sheet the rest of the players respond to that.”

Ahead of the Wycombe Wanderers game Michael Appleton reflected on the important victory versus Morecambe and discussed what will be required to compete with a strong Wycombe unit.

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Morecambe: It was a pleasing and most important three points. MA felt the Imps had come out of the blocks and blitzed Morecambe; probably should have been more than a couple of goals ahead. The nervousness of recent times, whereby points had been dropped had then kicked in which is understandable.

“Pleased with the reaction of the players, pleased with the reaction of the crowd. Hopefully that will be a sign of things to come”.

The Cohen Bramall goal was a signature Michael Appleton goal, with MA noting he has lost count of the number of goals scored having been playing out from the back, transitioned through midfield, and then people getting on the end of things. However, pleasing as that goal was, he is more than happy to take goals, anywhere, anyhow.

Joe Walsh: MA has been particularly keen to get the centre-half in the side. The left-sided balance he provides is clear to see and Joe has the ability to bring the ball out and carry it into space, notwithstanding first and foremost he is an aggressive defender.

“When his name’s on the team sheet the rest of the players respond to that”.

Wycombe Wanderers: Gareth Ainsworth has done ever so well in his eight or nine years at Wycombe; taking them from struggling in League One, up to the Championship along the way. MA recognised that managers don’t stay in a job that long without having success and building relationships with fans, the board, and player groups in that time. Wycombe and Rotherham have a similar strong approach to the game. There is no correct way to play football as different managers do have different approaches. That is a good thing and to be respected as Rotherham and Wycombe have shown when done well it will bring success.

Wycombe will undoubtedly win the duels (as they do in virtually every game) and that is accepted by MA – the stats bear that out. They will bombard the box whether that is crosses or passes but it should be noted that they have quality players possessing the skills to do that and will put the ball into the right areas accordingly.

“The lads are about to face tomorrow, something they probably haven’t faced this season”.

Having accepted the reality to the extent of the physical challenge posed by Wycombe, MA refused to be concerned about that. He still demanded that Imps players remained competitive and faced up to that challenge, but in order to be successful the team in addition had to show composure and play their own game.

“We have to be cute, we have to be clever. We have to recognise when we can counter-attack; we have to recognise when we have a spell with the ball”.

Writer: hulloutpost

Michael Appleton: "When his name's on the team sheet the rest of the players respond to that."https://t.co/miIQqKNumW#ImpsAsOne #Chairboys

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 11, 2022