A piece I originally wrote for Linc Sport after attending and filming the press conference.
Lincoln City’s new manager says being in charge of the Imps will be a “challenge” and is aiming to achieve promotion with the club.
Michael Appleton faced the media for the first time as Imps boss this afternoon after being announced as Danny Cowley’s successor on Friday.
The 43-year-old has previously managed at clubs like Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United.
Appleton said: “It’s a club that’s been on the rise for a good few years now and there’s been a lot of good work not only on the pitch, but off the pitch with the board.
“To have an opportunity to join a club that look and seem to be doing the right things was very appealing.”
However, the new manager recognised the scale of the task at hand and said: “Regardless of the success in previous seasons, we’ve won one out of nine. The stats don’t lie.
“I’m under no illusions of how difficult the task is going to be, but I like a challenge.”
During his three seasons in charge of Oxford United, who thrashed the Imps on Saturday, Appleton achieved promotion from League Two to League One, despite finishing 13th in the fourth tier in his first season.
Liam Scully, CEO of Lincoln City, said: “We don’t feel like this is a reset- far from it.
“We were looking for someone like Michael who’s got clarity of thought and can captain that ship taking us forward, but I think what we’ve done behind the scenes is make sure this club’s got a lot of infrastructure in place for short, medium and long term success.”
Appleton’s first game in charge will be against his former club Blackpool on Friday evening.
Aaron Mayhew - Journalist 