Foxes of Leicester
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Michael Appleton: An introduction to the Leicester City caretaker

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

SWANSEA, WALES - OCTOBER 21: Michael Appleton, caretaker manager of Leicester City reacts during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City at Liberty Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - OCTOBER 21: Michael Appleton, caretaker manager of Leicester City reacts during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City at Liberty Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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17 Nov 2000: Michael Appleton of Preston North End clears the ball from danger during the Nationwide League Division One match against Watford played at Vicarage Road, in Watford, England. Preston North End won the match 3-2. \ Mandatory Credit: Mike Finn-Kelcey /Allsport
17 Nov 2000: Michael Appleton of Preston North End clears the ball from danger during the Nationwide League Division One match against Watford played at Vicarage Road, in Watford, England. Preston North End won the match 3-2. \ Mandatory Credit: Mike Finn-Kelcey /Allsport /

Preston North End

His next permanent club after the Red Devils was Preston North End (at the time a club record signing). He made a great impact, helping the club secure the second division championship. Although the change wasn’t as smooth as possibly expected.

Speaking of the adjustment, Appleton said:

"“It was a proper culture shock. My kit would be laid out at Old Trafford, boots sparkling clean. Everything was done for you. “At Preston I had two kits and I had to take the other one home every day to wash.”"

All in all, the midfielder played 145 times for the Lancashire outfit before getting another promotion with a move to a top tier club (before it became the Championship): West Bromwich Albion in 2001.

He still has roots in that part of North England. He was a silent partner in a pub ran by his brother in-law. Later in his career, the ex-United player was even known to sit and chat with fans of Preston and their rivals Blackpool while back visiting family (or checking his beer profits). Not all pros are that down to earth, mind you.