I have to be honest I am starting to get a bit anxious about the coming season. Don't get me wrong I have been really impressed with the recent acquisitions, but we really haven't seen any of them. I certainly believed that with seven days to go to the first game we would have played our new starting line up against Salford, I know we have Stockport on Tuesday but no disrespect what sort of work out is that going to be. I sincerely think we have a team/squad that can make the play offs again but surely they need game time to gel into that unit.
I trust in Appleton. Might not seem it from my aftermatch moans but the guy is clearly a top top coach, knows what he is doing and will make us all proud again. Like it or not we are on paper a mid table side and again this season play offs or better are a great achievement.
He obviously thinks the players he hasn't played, if he is going to start them, are ready to go!!! I would bet the guy from Saints has been tuned for years and will be a hit from the start.
From what I have read and seen I am expecting a proper front 3 this season, not a 4-3-3 that ends up as 4-5-1 as it did most of last season. The Rogers/Brennan roles being much more forwards with better covering sideways (midfielders) from the centre.
I'm quite excited. In my years of watching Lincoln I didn't expect a manager like Appleton to come along and make us play "up to date" football. Last year we fell short because a few holes meant we couldn't be as progressive as he wanted but a year on and a year extra with the squad I fully expect he will now (meaning end of window) have what he thinks can go the distance.
I have an inkling that while we the fans will look at Grant being a big loss it may gain for us as we could do with a team that is greater than the sum of it parts and not reliant on a single source.........that source also liable to slowing the rest of the play down at times (IMO.) Don't get me wrong. I rated Grant. Was my MOTM many times last season but I think we could see a much faster team this season. Doesn't always require the mindblowing skills or a 40 yard diagonal (are you watching Monstma) just fast passing, short, medium and players that break together.
-Less than a week to go. Woop, Woop.....hic.lol