Imps manager Michael Appleton can’t wait to see his side get back out onto the pitch this weekend after the longer than usual break since the last outing in SkyBet League One.
City haven’t taken to the field in the EFL since the long trip to Gillingham in mid-November, but Michael admits the time away from pitch has just made him and his players even eager to get back out there against Burton Albion on Saturday before the hectic Christmas schedule of games gets underway.
“It’s one we’re looking forward to, it’s been a bit of an extended break which we didn’t choose to have. But, obviously we’re looking forward to the games coming round quick and fast too.” He said.
Michael says that although the players do feel the benefit from a break at this time of the year, he fully understands the frustration for supporters who haven’t had the opportunity to get behind their side, particularly at Sincil Bank where the performances has been largely positive and he attributes that in no small part to the tremendous backing the team receives from the fans.
“I think from a long-term point of view, a winter break would do the game good but from a supporter’s point of view, it’s a tradition over the festive period where people have time off work, have a few drinks and watch the football so I get both sides of it. From our point of view we’re just raring to go.”
The Imps’ manager paid tribute to his opposite number on Saturday, Nigel Clough, who he says has a good squad at his disposal but with another four-figure following travelling to the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday in support of the visiting side, everyone there representing Lincoln City will be aiming to leave the midlands with a positive result.
“Nigel knows the club very well, it’s a club he’s managed over two periods for a long, long time. He’s got a squad of players that are very experienced but they’ve got a good balance of experience and youth and they have pace in certain areas. They’re a difficult side, I watched them the other night and even though they’d gone down to ten men they were the dominant side for much of the game. They looked the side likely to win the game.
“The fans are probably as desperate for a game as we are. We can sense that. Since I’ve been here, and it was something that I was aware of before I joined the club, we’ve got great support and we’re going to need them this weekend and over the festive period.”
City supporters who haven’t yet bought a ticket for the game can do so on the day, at the Ticket windows at the Pirelli Stadium – For details click HERE
Supporters based overseas can keep up with the game LIVE on WeAreImps iFollow by purchasing a match pass. Meanwhile, domestically based Imps can also access WeAreImps iFollow to listen into the action LIVE with commentary coming from BBC Radio Lincolnshire sports team of Michael Hortin and Steve Thompson - For details of all WeAreImps iFollow options available for the game - Click HERE.
