Imps appoint former Manchester United man to replace Cowley

Lincoln City FC has appointed Michael Appleton as its new first team manager following the departure of Danny Cowley to Huddersfield Town.

Appleton, whose contract will run until June 2023, joins the Imps from Sky Bet Championship side West Bromwich Albion, where he had been working as under-23s coach.

The former Manchester United, Grimsby Town and Preston North End player has previously managed Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Oxford United and Portsmouth and also enjoyed a brief spell as caretaker manager at Leicester City.

Club chairman Clive Nates said: “I am delighted that we have secured the appointment of Michael Appleton as our new first team manager and have total confidence that he is the right man for the job.

“Michael has all the qualities we have been searching for to continue our progress as a club, having spent three very successful years at this weekend’s opponents, Oxford United, where he achieved promotion to League One as well as a number of exciting cup runs, including two visits to Wembley in successive years in the EFL Trophy.

“Although it is pleasing that we have made an appointment in just under two weeks, the priority has always been to undertake a proper due diligence process and make the right appointment for the long-term benefit of the club, regardless of the length of the process.

“Thanks to a remarkable three years of success and progress, we have a momentum to carry forward. The board remains committed to continuing the transformation of the club with the aim of establishing ourselves higher in the football pyramid.”

Appleton arrives at Sincil Bank with the club currently sat in the top half of Sky Bet League One.

Photo: cropped version of “Michael Appleton” by Jameboy [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]