Ahead of the visit of Oxford United this weekend, the Imps boss spoke about the first two games of the season and how important it is to get the fans back inside the stadium.
Michael Appleton said that he will never get used to not having fans inside grounds ahead of the visit of Oxford United this weekend.
Lincoln’s first two games of the season have been behind-closed-doors due to the ongoing pandemic. While both have ended in positive results for the Imps, having no fans in the grounds is something that he does not want to become accustomed to.
He said: “I’ve heard a couple of people say that they’ve got used to it and are getting used to it: I don’t ever want to get used to not having fans in the stadium.
“I’ve heard that and I found that quite strange, people saying ‘oh you just get used to fans not being there’, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that. I think what we have got to do, in the short period of time we’ve got is adapt to what is in front of us.”
Positive Mood in the Squad
After two wins from two, Appleton is feeling happy going into the opening league game of the season.
“I’ve been happy with it. Obviously it’s nice to get a couple of wins to gain a bit of momentum going into the first game of the season,” he said.
“From a performance point of view, apart from the first half on Tuesday, I’ve been reasonably pleased considering where we are at in this moment in time.”
Targets for the Season
The Imps boss stressed that he and his squad know their targets for the upcoming season, but insisted that anything could happen.
While pre-season predictions have been overwhelmingly positive in the Imps’ favour, Appleton believes that they have to take it one step at a time.
“I think we are really sensible as a club, I think we know where we are as a club, but let’s see where we are after ten games, that will be a really big indicator.
“I think I’ve said it already and I don’t apologise for saying it, we have got a group of players, who potentially if we get a bit of momentum behind us, could shock a few people and ruffle a few feathers.”
“If people are expecting us to get promoted this year, it could happen, of course it could.
Injuries
Joe Walsh and Liam Bridcutt will miss the visit of Oxford on Saturday.
Central midfielder Bridcutt has been missing after picking up a hamstring injury in pre-season. Appleton confirmed that it would probably be “too soon” for the Scotsman to make his return.
However, the City boss will have a near-fit squad ahead of the visit of Karl Robinson’s side, saying they should be “there or thereabouts.”
Thoughts on Oxford
Last seasons defeated play-off finalists will be one of the sides to beat this year in League One according to Appleton.
“The reality is that we are going up against a side that is going to finish in the top three or four and they probably expect that, so it will be a good indication for us to see where we are as a team,” he said.
Lincoln face a tough start to the season, facing two sides who could be challenge for promotion in Oxford and Charlton Athletic.
However, facing two promotion contenders could work in their favour, according to the Lincoln boss: “There is no doubt. When you look at some of the so-called bigger teams in the league, they will all be looking to get off to a good start, none of them will want to be playing catch up.
“That goes for all of us, though. At the end of the day we want to get off to a decent start and after 10-12 games be in and around the pack and be able to make a move.”