Michael Appleton: An introduction to the Leicester City caretaker

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OXFORD, ENGLAND – JANUARY 10: Michael Appleton the manager of Oxford United looks on during The Emirates FA Cup third round match between Oxford United and Swansea City at the Kassam Stadium on January 10, 2016 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Oxford United: A tenure to remember

Here is where he really made his name in the game as “one to watch out for”.

The first season under the former Manchester man was steady with no major disasters or triumphs – just stability; encouraging, not great. The second season, however, was impressive.

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Appleton achieved beyond the expectations at Oxford United. They were meant to stay in League 2, but Appleton’s magic meant that they were promoted, while they also took a trip to the iconic Wembley.

The next season wasn’t quite as pioneering in the league; however, a second trip to Wembley ensured Appleton’s name went down in Yellows history, even though the South-East club narrowly missed out, losing 2-1 to Coventry City. Current Leicester player George Thomas (now under Appleton’s guidance), scored the winner that day.

Under Michael Appleton, Oxford United were promoted from League Two to League One and twice ended runners-up (consecutively) in the Football League Trophy. Time tells us that Appleton’s legacy is in place as a rejuvenated Oxford sit comfortably eighth in League 1 under Pep Clotet.

Kind Words

Of his time at Oxford, Michael Appleton spoke fondly:

"“I would like to place on record my appreciation for all the support I have had from the board, staff, players and fans of Oxford United during my three years here. “I have been very happy at Oxford”."

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 06: Manager Michael Appleton of Oxford United salutes the travelling fans after his side’s victory in the Sky Bet League Two between Bristol Rovers and Oxford United at Memorial Stadium on September 6, 2015 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images) /

Once Leicester had announced Appleton’s impending arrival, then manager Craig Shakespeare certified his new assistant:

"“Michael has already achieved great success in the game. Over the course of his three years at Oxford United, he has been acknowledged by many as one of the most talented and knowledgeable coaches in English football”."

Appleton seemed enchanted with the upgrade:

"“Too good to be true. To go and work in the Premier league these days because of the number of foreign managers, a lot of English coaches don’t get the opportunity. “They only tend to happen when you get promoted out of the Championship. So, I find myself lucky from that point of view,”"

He spent three seasons there, securing a win rate of 45.1% during 173 games in charge. When he left, Oxford’s Yellow Army Supporters Club only had good words about him.

"“(Appleton) Put Oxford United back on the footballing map. “He made Oxford such a good footballing club again. That’s the hardest thing to take.”"