Football Season Guide

Michael Appleton has made a real impression since taking over at Lincoln City and they will be looking to challenge for promotion again this season. Following in the footsteps of Imps legend Danny Cowley was a hard task but Appleton has overseen a real change in style and is almost as popular with fans, especially after guiding the Imps to the League One play-off final at Wembley. They missed out on promotion after being beaten by Blackpool and Appleton has been linked with a number of more high-profile jobs. He nevertheless remains at Sincil Bank and will be looking to rebuild his squad after a summer of departures. Several were expected with influential loanees such as strikers Brennan Johnson and Morgan Rogers returning to their parent clubs. The biggest blow however is the loss of midfield playmaker Jorge Grant, with insult added to injury by choosing to join Peterborough United, who beat them to promotion back in May. The best hope of replacing his quality is with a loanee and they will be hoping Manchester City’s Lewis Fiorini is that man. Goalkeeper Josh Griffiths will spend the season on loan from West Bromwich Albion whilst the capture of striker Chris Maguire from Sunderland looks like a shrewd addition. The Imps don’t have the money to compete with the big clubs in League One but they have one of the best managers in the division in Appleton and he will make further additions that will ensure they are competitive on the pitch.