Michael Appleton tidied up issues around the health of the squad along with his thinking regarding incoming and outgoing players, ahead of the midweek clash versus Gillingham.
You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Gillingham Quiz, which can be found just below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
Squad Health: The short break has enabled a couple of players to get fitter. Harry Anderson is available post-Covid but is unlikely to manage a full 90 minutes. Connor McGrandles is back training and comes into contention. Unfortunately due to a combination of injuries and Covid, there are four players still unavailable, some of them won’t be for another three games.
“We’ve just got to get through these next few games; make sure we’re still intact. I think once we get towards the end of January, hopefully one or two new faces in the building, which will be nice; we’ll look forward to February, March, April, May”.
Player Outgoings: Robbie Gotts leaving has not altered the situation for Aaron Lewis. The squad standing and level within the group has risen tenfold in the last few months. Aaron needs to move on and get games. He needs to keep fit and focussed which he has lacked a bit in the last six months.
On Robbie Gotts, “You don’t want to stop a player from having the opportunity to further his career and education”. MA explained he has a good relationship with Leeds with Robbie no doubt enjoying his time at Lincoln and learning quite a bit.
It transpires that Robbie has been promised more game time at Salford. Through no fault of Robbies’, the good form of the players in his positions (RB and midfield) has prevented Robbie getting as much game time as he would like.
Incoming Players: MA expects new signings either towards the end of next week or the one following. MA is confident he can add, recognising that the two who have just left do need replacing. RB is one of the areas he is looking at. Any more players beyond that would be nice but we will see.
“We’ve managed the first part of the season to rotate and use the squad as best we possibly can and fingers crossed we’ll be able to do that over the next 25 games”.
Gillingham: They will be full of confidence after their excellent result at Accrington. They’ve lost a couple of loan players but have replaced them. Gillingham will deploy a direct style aiming to get the ball ‘front to back’ early. It’s important the players do the basics well, keep the concentration levels (high) and ensure the way they start the game is right.
On being asked about Steve Evans, he felt that SE had overstepped the mark last year and MA had made him aware of that. However, MA very rarely gets involved with other managers (arguments) and everything is well with Steve.
“It’s fine, he’s been texting me all Summer regarding players. Steve’s an emotional guy. He gets a bit lively on the sidelines. It’s probably a good job there’s a bit of a big distance at The LNER between myself and him last year or there might have been a bit of bother, but joking apart everything’s fine”.
Writer: hulloutpost
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yndKjmO3YQ
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Gillingham Quiz below:
Michael Appleton: "You don't want to stop a player from having the opportunity to further his career and education."https://t.co/eKXjI3zFKD#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #Gills pic.twitter.com/sFz1veDguq
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) January 18, 2021
