The 47-year-old was in charge at Bloomfield Road for two years and is now plotting his former team’s demise when they meet his new side on Saturday.
Former Blackpool manager Michael Appleton believes the game against his new team Charlton Athletic will have a ‘bit of spice’.
Appleton was fired as Tangerines manager in January 2023, with the club in the Championship relegation zone. He was replaced by Mick McCarthy, who was unable to save the club from relegation, and under-21s manager Stephen Dobbie finished the season.
The 47-year-old returned to football management last month when he was named Charlton’s new manager. He took over for Dean Holden and has handled four games so far, winning two and drawing two.
“It’s a really difficult game coming up on Saturday against my former club,” Appleton told London News Online about the upcoming match.
“I’m sure that will add some spice to it.” I’m looking forward to it, and I’m sure if you stepped into that locker room (on Tuesday night), they’d say the same.”
Two of Appleton’s four wins have come at home, as they defeated Exeter City 4-1 on Tuesday due to goals from Corey Blackett-Taylor, Alfie May, and Miles Leaburn.
Blackpool, who aren’t the best of travellers but beat Barnsley in their last away game, will look to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Derby County.
The Rams triumphed despite Kenny Dougall’s 71st-minute goal, as Korey Smith, James Collins, and Martyn Waghorn all scored. The defeat against Derby dropped them to 13th in the league standings, with only one point and one place separating the two sides ahead of their encounter with Charlton.
The traveling presence of Blackpool fans has the opportunity to offer their judgement on their former boss, either by expressing gratitude or taking a different stance. More importantly, supporters will be traveling to support the current manager, Neil Critchley, and his team.
When asked about the possible reaction from supporters who formerly chanted his name, Appleton replied, “I’m not worried about anything like that – I quite enjoy it.”
“Our entire focus will be on beating Blackpool and breaking them down.” They are quite tough to disassemble.”
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