July 13, 2021 5.01 pm This story is over 32 months old

Imps manager Michael Appleton to take break for cancer treatment

We wish you all the best with recovery, Michael!
Former Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton. | Photo: Lincoln City FC
By Local Democracy Reporter

Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton will be taking a short break from coaching duties after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The 45-year-old manager guided the Imps to the League One play-off final in his first full season in charge of the club, and has begun preparations for the new campaign.

The club announced he will be having an operation on Wednesday to remove a cancerous tumour from his body, and will then have 10 days away from his duties to recover.

Michael issued an open letter to the Lincoln City supporters announcing the news, saying that it’s a scary thing to say but he hopes to be back in the dugout soon enough.

Appleton wrote: “Hello Imps fans. I hope you’re all looking forward to the new season as much as I am.

“We’ve enjoyed being back training at the Elite Performance Centre and there is a real belief and determination that we can build on last season.

“Preparations are well underway, and we’ve had two good runouts at Reading and Nottingham Forest. Don’t read anything into the scorelines, as they were really about building the players up towards match fitness after working them hard in training.

“Our new arrivals Chris Maguire and Lewis Fiorini have really added to the squad.

“I know Chris well having worked with him before, and he will bring good experience and knowhow for us – and will be a great example for our younger players to follow.

“Lewis is really good signing for us with a wide range of passing in his armoury, and we’re confident of getting some other quality additions signed up soon.

“Although things are going well on and off the pitch at the club, I do have some news to share with you which means you’ll see and hear a bit less from me over the next couple of weeks.

“A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and will have the tumour removed this week. There are some quite scary words in that sentence, but this is quite a routine operation and the indications are that I should be back up and on my feet in no time.

“I do need to take a bit of a break, though, and after the surgery will be taking a couple of weeks to recover.

“This means I won’t be in the dugout for some of our pre-season games, but will be liaising closely with the coaching team as we continue preparations for the campaign.

“Our transfer plans are all on track and won’t be affected – modern technology means there won’t be any escape from me for my colleagues and I’ll be able to watch videos from the games.

“I will remain in close contact with Liam Scully and Jez George, and I’m looking forward to a bit of remote working to see what the fuss is all about!

“I’m not the sort of person who goes into much detail about these things, but I wanted to make sure you were all aware so you knew why I have to sit out a few games.

“There’s loads of advice out there about the early signs of cancer and what to look out for – if you have a lump or any other change please do get it checked out by a GP.”

Everyone at The Lincolnite would like to wish Michael Appleton a full and speedy recovery, we’re all rooting for you.