‘A bad mistake. Grew on me’ – Blackpool faithful share verdicts on Michael Appleton ahead of reunion at Charlton
The 47-year-old was in command at Bloomfield Road for a brief while during the 2012/2013 season before returning last summer.
Despite staying longer than his first spell, he was fired in January, with the Seasiders sitting in 23rd place in the Championship table.
He was appointed Charlton manager last month, and this afternoon’s game against Blackpool at the Valley will be his first game against them since his departure.
In the lead-up to the game, fans on social media have been offering their thoughts on his tenure as coach via Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.
“Absolutely shocking manager,” one wrote. The worst mistake was bringing him back a second time.”
“Worst manager ever,” said another. I’m surprised he has a second job.”
A third agreed: “One of the worst managers ever going for Blackpool.
With a fourth also stating: “Ridiculous excuse of a manager.”
A fifth added: “A bad mistake.”
Meanwhile, some fans couldn’t bring themselves to express their thoughts, with one saying, “Would probably get banned from Facebook if I put down my feelings towards him.”
A few supporters sympathized with Appleton and felt he should have been given more time at Bloomfield Road.
“He wasn’t my first choice, but he grew on me,” one wrote. He wasn’t Mr Charisma, but he made an effort to play attacking football. He got a harsh deal from the crowd and might have kept us going if he had stayed, but we’ll never know.
“Thought he got a raw deal last season,” said another. Fans were unwilling to give him a chance, and he was surrounded by a bad recruitment team. We still gave it our all until about November, when injuries and suspensions caught up with us. I believe he was unlucky last season and could have done a better job this season; but, I am considerably pleased with Critch in charge.”
The former Blackpool manager has had a promising start to life at Charlton since taking over at the Valley last month, and will be looking to build on a 4-1 midweek victory over Exeter City against the Seasiders.
