The Lincoln City boss spoke about the return of competitive football as well as confirming a new arrival in his first press conference of the season.
Transfers
Following a successful trial at the club, Michael Appleton today confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Remy Howarth on a one-year deal.
Howarth spent last season playing in the
Welsh Premier League for Cefn Druids, attracting the interest of the Imps boss as well as a host of other clubs.
“I watched a couple of games and then invited him in for pre-season, he came in and from day one you wouldn’t think he would be a trialist. He has done ever so well in training and games; he has made an impact and is already part of the squad,” said Appleton.
After featuring in a number of pre-season fixtures in the Lincoln City shirt and scoring a goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory of Nottingham Forest U23’s, he gained a permanent move to the LNER Stadium.
His career began at Blackburn Rovers, where as part of the youth team, he reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup before several loan spells in non-league. A permanent transfer to Ashton United followed before moving to the Welsh Premier League.
Pending international clearance, Howarth will go straight into the squad to face Crewe in the Carabao Cup.
The Lincoln City manager had already confirmed his intentions to bring in two loan signings before Saturday’s first competitive fixture of the season.
The Imps have been linked with goalkeeper Alex Palmer and forward Callum Morton, both of West Bromwich Albion and players who Appleton worked with during his time as a Baggies’ U23’s coach.
Palmer achieved automatic promotion from Sky Bet League Two last season while on loan at Plymouth Argyle, being voted League Two PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Year for the 2019/20 season.
Morton played a key role in Northampton Town’s triumph in the play-offs in the same division, scoring a brace in the second leg of the semi-final and before scoring again in the final, as they ran out rampant 4-0 winners over Exeter City.
Injuries
“Pre-season has been mixed, we’ve had four or five lads that have picked up niggles along the way which is frustrating,” explained the Imps boss.
Captain Liam Bridcutt will miss the Carabao Cup tie with a hamstring injury that has seen him miss out on the majority of pre-season, having not appeared since the first 45 minutes against Salford City. However, defender Adam Jackson, who has also suffered from a hamstring injury, could be available for selection.
Aaron Lewis is on international duty as he joins up with the Wales U21 squad and will not be available until the EFL Trophy fixture against Lincolnshire rivals Scunthorpe United.
Return to Competitive Football
It will be an odd feeling for the players as they step back out to play competitive football for the first time in six months, with the added addition of no fans attending.
“You could argue having no fans in the stadium will go against us as our fans are so good at raising the roof, particularly at the LNER [stadium].
“It will feel more like a relief than anything to finally be back out there with competitive football. Hopefully we can get spectators back soon because they are an important part of the football club.
“We will go into Saturday’s game with the right attitude, we have a few injuries, but we will go to play well,” Appleton added.
James Jones, who recently departed Crewe Alexandra to join Lincoln, was excited at the prospect of being one win away from potential Premier League opposition. However, he warned that they were not taking Crewe lightly.
“It’ll be interesting to see some of my former teammates tomorrow. They’re a good footballing team and they’ve come off the back of success from last season.
“If we play the way we can we know the quality is there to beat them.”