Appleton looks forward to Saturday's home game against Bournemouth
Michael Appleton took charge of the U’s at the Kassam Stadium for the first time last night, watching his side push Championship side Wolves all the way before falling to a Leon Clarke goal. United looked sharp and Michael was pleased with the effort as his side prepare for the opening league game at home to Burton Albion on August 9th.“Over all when I look back at it, I’ll be pleased with it” he told Yellow Player. “It was probably our own downfall when you look at the goal, we just lost concentration a little bit but I thought we more than matched them for a lot of the game.
“We played some decent stuff at times but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. We will make sure, hopefully, between now and the start of the season that we put that right. I think, if anything, it’ll be adding to the little bits of quality we already have already seen out there tonight.
“I said to the players, what I don’t want to get into the habit of doing is over doing it. I think when we have a phase of play, and move the ball from one side to the other, can we get a cross in? Can we get a shot at goal? Can we get a corner from the opposition? There were just a couple of occasions tonight around the edge of the box where the lads turned down an opportunity to shoot. I’ll keep on at them and hopefully they’ll take that on board.”
There were debuts for George Long and Joe Riley, with Long making one or two excellent saves.
“George is a young goalkeeper, who in a short space of time, has built up a lot of experience and potential in playing for Sheffield United in a high league” Michael said. “He’s been recognised with the England set up and tonight I was more than happy with him. He looked very comfortable.”
United now move on to another home game against Championship opposition on Saturday when they welcome AFC Bournemouth to the Kassam Stadium. It is a game that Michael is looking forward to:
“It’ll only get better and better, we’ve got a very difficult game on Saturday, which will be more of a step-up than tonight in terms of the way they acquitted themselves in the Championship last year, and some of the fantastic football that they play.”
Join us on Saturday for the final pre-season game of the summer. Advance Tickets are just £10 for adults and £5 for under 16/over 65 and students. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to book your place.
For a full match report and Gallery of the Wolves match click HERE
Read Michael Appleton's first programme notes with our FREE MATCH PROGRAMME DOWNLOAD HERE