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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31 Oct 2001: Michael Appleton of West Brom in action during the Nationwide Division One match between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion played at Selhurst Park in London. \ Mandatory Credit: Phil Cole /Allsport
31 Oct 2001: Michael Appleton of West Brom in action during the Nationwide Division One match between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion played at Selhurst Park in London. \ Mandatory Credit: Phil Cole /Allsport /

Next Up: West Bromwich Albion

At the Albion, his career was cut cruelly short due to a dreadful knee injury sustained during training from a tackle involving fellow Baggies player Des Lyttle. The former Manchester United man only featured for his new club thirty eight times.

Severe Injury

Dreams as an athlete smashed following multiple unsuccessful surgeries, as he was forced to retire and hang up his boots. A transition into coaching was always the way forward. He said:

"“Over the two years I was injured (2001-2003) you go through different spells. “And for a time I was a very angry young man with a lot of pent up frustration and disappointment and it took me a while for that to settle. “You have the realisation that you won’t play again and ultimately coaching gave me another drive and path towards getting something out of my own life. “The drive I’ve got now to be a success as a manager is more than it was as a player because my career was cut short”"

Court Case

Michael Appleton later sued his surgeon, knee specialist Medhet Mohammed El-Safty, for negligence. Winning his case, the judge ordered £1.5 million in damages to be paid to Appleton (in court the doctor admitted that he wrongly operated on the footballer).

"“I am relieved finally to have received judgment and to be able to put this chapter of my life behind me,” Appleton stated after his ordeal."