Appleton excited by new challenge at Leicester

Leicester City’s assistant manager Michael Appleton believes rekindling his special relationship with Craig Shakespeare will be key in the Foxes’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

Appleton was named Shakespeare’s number two last month following three successful years at Oxford United, a spell in which he led the Yellows to League One as well as two Football League Trophy Finals.

But the assistant boss has revealed that he couldn’t pass up the opportunity of working with the 2016 Premier League champions.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

“The opportunity to come and work in the Premier League and at a club that very recently was champions of England, and only last season was competing in the Champions League was a big pull,” the 41-year-old said.

“It is an achievement that did wonders for the game and for the Premier League. Obviously expectations come with that type of achievement.”

Appleton is relishing the opportunity to reignite his partnership with Shakespeare, with whom he previously worked with at West Bromwich Albion.

“I think now having been a manager I understand what is needed in terms of the support for the manager, and then again to come in and know that I am working with someone I have known for 20 years, and I trust,” he said.

“I know from a values and culture point of view we have got similar points of view on those things.”