Appleton has core strength
MICHAEL Appleton insists he will not be daunted by Leicester’s crisis because he has handled far worse.
The Foxes caretaker boss takes charge at Swansea today, four days after the dismissal of pal Craig Shakespeare. Appleton, 41, says he constantly had to fight fires in his early managerial career.
Portsmouth slid into administration during his first assignment and he then spent just 65 days at Blackpool and 67 at Blackburn, with both clubs in turmoil.
The former Manchester United midfielder rebuilt his career with three years and a promotion at Oxford before becoming Shakespeare’s No.2 this summer.
“The first 12 months of my career was spent dealing with administrators on a daily basis – two administrations at Pompey,” said Appleton.
“And then I had a little bit of a crazy spell for about six months, which I try to forget a little bit. But the bits I do remember, I use as part of the experience going forward.
Wrong
“Then I had three fantastic years at Oxford, where we developed a young group of players that have all started moving on for a hell of a lot of money, gaining promotions and getting to finals at Wembley.”
Appleton’s on-field career ended in his 20s after a knee injury while playing for West Brom.
During rehab, he hit the weights and has continued to train hard since retiring.
He says his pumped-up appearance works because it gives opponents the wrong impression.
“A lot of people underestimate me and think I’m a certain type and I quite like that because I know I’m the one in control,” he said.
“They probably think I’m some not-so-bright little ‘scally’ off the streets of Salford, which probably was the case a few years ago. But I’d like to think over a period of time I’ve picked up a lot of things and gained a lot of experience.”
Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal of the season against West Brom on Monday and the former PFA player of the season says he ignores criticism that has been aimed at him.
Mahrez said: “I don’t listen to many of these things. When you are at the top, people speak good about you and when you’re no good, they speak bad.
“That’s normal. You just have to blank it out and just work.”