Former Portsmouth and Lincoln boss Michael Appleton on comparing coronavirus shutdown to Blues' administration

Michael Appleton stressed the coronavirus pandemic is ‘10 times more serious’ than when Pompey went into administration.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The 44-year-old spent almost a year at the Fratton Park helm after replacing Steve Cotterill in November 2011.

Within two weeks, chairman Vladimir Antonov was arrested on bank fraud charges – and owners CSI soon entered administration, taking the club down with them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It proved to be a baptism of fire for Appleton in his first permanent managerial job, having to endure two lots of 10-point deductions and relegation from the Championship.

But at least the former Preston midfielder could speak to Blues playing and backroom staff face-to-face and explain precarious situations.

That’s something he’s unable to do during the suspension of the League One season at Lincoln, where Appleton is currently manager of.

Despite the turbulent period he spent at PO4, however, he feels the Covid-19 outbreak is significantly worse.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In an interview with The Independent, Appleton said: ‘Obviously, this is 10 times more serious in terms of the risk to people’s health than what happened at Portsmouth.

Michael Appleton. Picture: Barry ZeeMichael Appleton. Picture: Barry Zee
Michael Appleton. Picture: Barry Zee

‘The reality is I’ve got certain players in my squad – and myself included – whose wives and partners are pregnant.

‘I’ve got players whose children have diabetes or asthma. They’re all at critical risk and the first thing I tell any of my players is to be safe.

‘One of the most difficult things now compared to the double administration at Portsmouth is not being able to speak to people face-to-face.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We’re going to go through a period where all clubs are going to be tested, there’s no doubt about that, and there’s going to be a lot of strain.

‘But at Portsmouth, at least I could sit down with someone and look into the whites of their eyes and try to explain why something’s happening.

‘You can speak over video or on the phone, but it’s hard to feel as genuine and authentic.’

Appleton departed Pompey in November 2012 to take charge of Blackpool.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.