Imps boss Michael Appleton is looking forward to putting on a performance for Imps supporters at LNER Stadium tomorrow.
The City manager has sat down with his group this week following defeat at Accrington Stanley last weekend which saw the Imps score three.
“The support we get is magnificent, some of the atmospheres we get at home is electrifying,” explained Michael.
“When our supporters get behind the players it gives us a massive push on to do well.
“We have sat down as a group and discussed the previous game; I can’t get my head around how we lost the game, but they are the frustrations you get as a manager. We are creating opportunities; we just need to stay 100% concentrated.”
Appleton continued by speaking about how he will prepare his group with a positive mindset going into tomorrow’s game.
“As a player I was a lot more aggressive than what I am as a manager and that is probably to do with age,” joked the Imps boss.
“The reality is you are managing and leading people, so you have got to be measured because it’s about being a group and keeping a good state of mind.
“We have a job to do as a group and I will make sure my players are in the right state of mind.
“I think it would be a good thing for the football club to try and finish higher than the other promoted clubs. MK Dons have a couple of games in hand, but it will be a sign of progress to a certain degree if we can finish above them.”
The Imps come up against Gillingham tomorrow in SkyBet League One action. Appleton has spoken about how his side want to impress at LNER Stadium following defeat against Steve Evans’ side earlier in the season.
“I feel we owe it to the supporters, and I hope the players know that too,” said Michael.
“The team on Saturday will be different from what started at Gillingham. For as frustrated as we have been, we have been very competitive and deserve a lot more points than what we have picked up.
“Losing at Gillingham reflected the performance on the day there, so we will do something about that, and I do believe we can beat them.
“The reality is that in football you will come up against former players. With John (Akinde), he is a big specimen and I am sure he will be chomping at the bit to do well. We know his strengths and weaknesses so we will look to play well against him.”
Michael finished by discussing the Junior Takeover day which will run with tomorrow’s fixture. Supporters aged between 8-14 years will take the helm and undertake key roles as part of the Gillingham Sky Bet League One fixture at LNER Stadium.
Roles include First Team Manager, CEO, Stadium Manager, Matchday Coordinator, Club Store assistant and many more.
“The first advice I will give is to put his hands over his ears when I speak to the players before the game,” joked Michael.
“I have had it before and it is brilliant, when I was Oxford, I had a similar thing, it is a great experience for the youngsters to come and see what goes on before a match. It will be a great insight for them.”
