Imps boss Michael Appleton has described the return to competitive football this weekend as a relief.
Lincoln City kick off their 2020/21 campaign with a trip to newly promoted Crewe Alexandra in Carabao Cup action.
Appleton explained how he felt over the last six months without football: “There was a period during lockdown when it was worrying. People were wondering when we will be back to some type of normal, so playing football is a bonus for us.
“It will feel more like a relief than anything to finally be back out there with competitive football. Hopefully we can get spectators back soon because they are an important part of the football club.”
Michael went on to speak about how the football club has had to adapt in recent times before discussing his recruitment over the summer.
“As a football club, everyone has spoken about the change in our approach as a club, we have had to do it.
“It took a little longer to bring certain players in, but we have been fortunate. We have spent the last five months trying to get the players we want in, so a lot of hard work has gone in to do that. It has been a joint effort and we are all raring to go.
"We’ve got new lads in the building but when we first speak to them, we tell them how we do things and what we do to get things done. They all know their roles and what is expected from them, so I’d like to think we give them a head start.”
Appleton reflected on the Imps build up to Saturday’s game throughout pre-season explaining how everyone has played similar minutes and put in good performance levels.
“Pre-Season has been mixed, we have picked up some niggles which is frustrating, but we have had good games and practice matches which has been good.
“Everyone has picked up similar minutes through the friendlies, the performance levels have been pretty good, and we are excited about that because players are taking the opportunity when it comes their way."
The Imps boss finished by noting the difference it will make having no supporters in the building at the start of the campaign, saying he looks forward to their return.
“It will be a tough season, no one really knows what it is going to be like. There will be strong traditional clubs who are expected to be up there, but we don’t know which clubs will react to having no fans.
“Our support is fantastic, and the fans raise the roof at LNER, so it might be unfortunate for us, but we will play to be effective.
“We will go into Saturday’s game with the right attitude, we have a few injuries, but we will go to play well.”
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