The timeline for me so far is
I was surprised the guy we beat to promotion and seemingly left behind in the rear view mirror got the job of head coach here
I was surprised that someone who traditionally works as a manager got the job of head coach as part of a football structure. I thought they'd have been all-in on finding another Critchley clone
But then I wasn't surprised he got the job as he was the only one compo-free, local and available for an immediate start as they were running out of hours before pre-season. No way they'd have paid to get him out of Lincoln
I also wasn't surprised when it then became clear there was a lack of clarity on signings being provided to him to coach, within how we're told this football structure and these well-paid execs behind it all is supposed to work as part of an ongoing progress that can survive change. And then the long delay before it looked like Appleton just went into business for himself using his loan contacts just to try to get players in he feels can do a job
There are some occasional flashes football-wise I've seen of being a bit more direct and with it in terms of attacking rather than the cautious approach of Critchley. But the injuries if anything have got worse and with the transfer window dithering, lack of clarity and cashing in on the best player and only real spark I'm now convinced it will catch us up this year. A constant patch up job and juggling formations and tactics that won't really see us being any more progressive or looking any more capable in this league. With the quality of player available. And in a season where the bottom three isn't being subsidised by heavy points deductions and where other clubs are making moves a lot quicker to change manager for a boost.
Appleton himself comes across as someone I could work and get along with during my contracted hours but also comes across like he wouldn't particularly motivate me to go that extra mile for him outside of that. I do think his honesty is refreshing and he clearly offers no hiding place when he's been let down by his board or his players. But there's also that bit of umph I think you need as a Blackpool manager (or head coach) where you've got to get a lot out of a little (which hasn't changed with the owner change), be the face of the club and have a bit of personality to drag everyone up and along with you.
If he gets through this year and then the club want as many of the current contracts off the books as possible to save money, and if that means starting again in league one, then there's every chance we can have a Lincoln year. If the operation is streamlined and he's given full control over recruitment next summer. I think that will be the first time where we get see the real identity of his team and his idea of a way of playing if he's going to do his four years.
I was surprised the guy we beat to promotion and seemingly left behind in the rear view mirror got the job of head coach here
I was surprised that someone who traditionally works as a manager got the job of head coach as part of a football structure. I thought they'd have been all-in on finding another Critchley clone
But then I wasn't surprised he got the job as he was the only one compo-free, local and available for an immediate start as they were running out of hours before pre-season. No way they'd have paid to get him out of Lincoln
I also wasn't surprised when it then became clear there was a lack of clarity on signings being provided to him to coach, within how we're told this football structure and these well-paid execs behind it all is supposed to work as part of an ongoing progress that can survive change. And then the long delay before it looked like Appleton just went into business for himself using his loan contacts just to try to get players in he feels can do a job
There are some occasional flashes football-wise I've seen of being a bit more direct and with it in terms of attacking rather than the cautious approach of Critchley. But the injuries if anything have got worse and with the transfer window dithering, lack of clarity and cashing in on the best player and only real spark I'm now convinced it will catch us up this year. A constant patch up job and juggling formations and tactics that won't really see us being any more progressive or looking any more capable in this league. With the quality of player available. And in a season where the bottom three isn't being subsidised by heavy points deductions and where other clubs are making moves a lot quicker to change manager for a boost.
Appleton himself comes across as someone I could work and get along with during my contracted hours but also comes across like he wouldn't particularly motivate me to go that extra mile for him outside of that. I do think his honesty is refreshing and he clearly offers no hiding place when he's been let down by his board or his players. But there's also that bit of umph I think you need as a Blackpool manager (or head coach) where you've got to get a lot out of a little (which hasn't changed with the owner change), be the face of the club and have a bit of personality to drag everyone up and along with you.
If he gets through this year and then the club want as many of the current contracts off the books as possible to save money, and if that means starting again in league one, then there's every chance we can have a Lincoln year. If the operation is streamlined and he's given full control over recruitment next summer. I think that will be the first time where we get see the real identity of his team and his idea of a way of playing if he's going to do his four years.