The two previous incumbents of the Lincoln City manager’s office, Danny Cowley and his successor Michael Appleton, are set to be interviewed by Charlton Athletic for the vacant manager role, as reported by London News Online.
Dean Holden was relieved of his duties by The Addicks following their weekend defeat at Oxford United, their fifth consecutive reverse since an opening day victory against Leyton Orient.
The former Bristol City man had taken the reigns in December of last year, bringing some stability to a club hovering at the wrong end of the table. Charlton’s transfer activity was seen by many as strong and they were tipped by many, including the writers at The Real EFL, as promotion candidates, however, it has not started well and Holden has paid the price.
The task of turning the poor start around and getting the men from The Valley to challenge at the right of the table now looks to be between Appleton and Cowley who, according to the report, are set to be spoken to about the job in the coming week.
Who Is Michael Appleton?
Appleton’s playing career was cut short by injury and began coaching the underage teams at his final club, West Bromwich Albion. His first management roles were short-lived at Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers, all clubs who were in some form of turmoil at the time.
Oxford was where he made his name as a manager, achieving promotion from League Two and reaching two EFL Trophy finals. His next permanent first-team role was following Cowley at The Imps where the club made the League One Play-Off final in his first completed season.
The Championship and a return to Blackpool followed but he was sacked before the end of the season. Appleton likes his sides to get the ball down and plays an attacking brand of football.
What’s Been Said?
Appleton recently spoke to the Daily Mail about his confidence and desire to return to the dugout, saying, “I’ve got no doubt I’ll be successful and as a manager, all you want is a chance. I’m not asking for the biggest budget. I know the players out there and I’ve managed in three of the four leagues.”
“I still have the hunger and desire to manage, and I’ve been an assistant manager and coach in the Premier League and I wouldn’t rule out those roles either. It will be interesting to see what comes next.”
Who Is Danny Cowley?
Cowley, working alongside brother Nicky, experienced an incredible rise through the leagues after beginning life as a manager at Concord Rangers before taking part-time Braintree Town to the National League playoffs.
Full-time football at Lincoln City was next up for the brothers and they set off a journey of success by winning the National League in their first season. An EFL Trophy and League Two title were also added to the Sincil Bank trophy cabinet before Huddersfield Town came calling.
Cowley was sacked despite saving The Terriers from what looked like certain relegation and ended up at Portsmouth. He has been out of work since January. Over the summer, I wrote a piece explaining why I believe Danny Cowley should be in a job.
Charlton Athletic
The Addicks are in their fourth season in the third tier and had high hopes to challenge for promotion after their summer business. Their poor start now means they are looking to appoint a fifth different manager in just two and a half years.
Writer’s View
Both these men will be looking to get their careers back on track after disappointing recent spells. Cowley’s job at Portsmouth wasn’t awful but he didn’t deliver the promotion they craved and Appleton’s time at Blackpool is somewhat forgettable. For me, Cowley will provide an injection of energy and enthusiasm to The Valley and will be able to adapt his style to one that will suit the players. Appleton is perhaps more straight talking and would look to implement his style immediately.
Appleton is the more experienced at League One level in terms of games managed but Cowley has a better point-per-game return. If I was on the Charlton board and had to make this decision, I would be opting for Cowley but then that is perhaps a bias after the three years of success he brought to Sincil Bank.
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