‘Under no illusions’ – Charlton boss not taking unbeaten start for granted ahead of Lincoln return

Charlton Athletic boss Michael Appleton is not taking his unbeaten start to life at The Valley for granted as he prepares to return to his former side Lincoln City tomorrow evening.

The Addicks have moved up to 10th in League One and beaten Exeter, Wycombe and Reading during their first six games under the former Blackpool boss.

Appleton managed Lincoln 143 times and took the Imps to the League One play-off final in the 2020-21 campaign, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Wembley to Blackpool.

“I’ll enjoy it,” said Appleton ahead of his return to the Sincil Bank Stadium.

“It’s always a little bit difficult, but I have a few former clubs in this league, to be fair.

“I can’t think too much about it. I had three enjoyable seasons there. The first one was interrupted by Covid.

“Then we had a fantastic year in my second season due to a lot of good recruitment in the loan market.

“My final season there was a little bit more frustrating. We dominated a lot of games of football, but didn’t score – we should have finished a lot higher up the league.

“We still developed a lot of players and created good teams while we were there throughout the three years.

“Once all of the niceties are done and out of the way, as soon as the game starts, it’s back to picking up three points and making sure we can keep this momentum going.

“I’m just one of those where football has got a brilliant way of slapping you in the face when you think you have cracked it.

“I find it quite easy making sure the players’ feet are well and truly on the ground.

“The games come thick and fast, and you’re only as good as your last game. It’s going to be a really tough fixture tomorrow – we’re under no illusions.”

Ipswich loanee Panutche Camara made his first appearance since suffering a foot injury in the 2-1 defeat at home to Bristol Rovers in August, coming on in the 78th minute for Corey Blackett-Taylor.

“Huge boost,” said Appleton of the midfielder’s return.

“He just covers the ground so comfortably.

“The biggest compliment I can give him is that he looks quicker with the ball at his feet than when he hasn’t got the ball at his feet – he moves it across the ground really well.

“Pan is one of those that give us a little bit of an option. He could hold that role as a four and play alongside someone, but you wouldn’t really want him doing that too often with what he can give you getting around the pitch.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS