LINCOLN CITY

The big talking point among the

fans is the future of boss Michael Appleton [ above]. He performed miracles last term, taking us to the brink of promotion with no budget. This season will be different to last

because there’s no salary cap, which means the big boys can try to buy their way out of the division. We’ve already seen clubs splashing cash this summer – some of whom were pleading poverty and furloughing staff 12 months ago.

I’ve really missed getting away with a Full English every weekend, as my health- conscious other half doesn’t come to matches. Our most underrated player is

Conor Mcgrandles. He was excellent last season and works harder than anyone. He’s consistent, too. The pantomime villain will be

Steve Evans. It’s always Steve Evans.

The one change I’d make would

be bringing back the club’s former media manager, Terry Hibberd. He lost his job during the pandemic and was a great guy who worked hard.

Save the date for Sunderland. It’s the obvious shout, but after playing them five times last term, including the play- off semi- finals, it’ll be tasty. We’re in the same EFL Trophy group – familiarity breeds contempt, no? The ground I’m most looking forward to visiting is Cambridge’s Abbey Stadium – with the greatest respect, it feels like a throwback to the ’ 80s; real football and real fans. Other clubs’ fans don’t know that the new PFA chief Maheta Molango once played for us. Neil Davies, aka Robbie Moffat in Brookside, did too.

Our key player will be Liam Bridcutt [ below]. Our captain, leader and probably the best midfielder in the division on his day. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that he’s a great manager and a top bloke. Mind you, nobody dare say otherwise as he’s built like an MMA fighter. He dismantled an ageing side and took us to the play- off final. If he left, he should be replaced by

Michael Duff at Cheltenham – but I try not to think about it too much.

We’ll finish in the top 10.