Michael Appleton admits he is looking forward to the future, as the 46-year-old was confirmed as Blackpool's new Head Coach on Friday.
Appleton, who returns to Blackpool for a second time having managed the Club briefly in 2012, has signed a four-year deal at the Club, and explained he can't wait for the upcoming season.
"I'm really excited for the challenge that lies ahead and I can't wait to get started," he said.
"After leaving my previous job at Lincoln, I was always looking for the next challenge to get my teeth into. To come back here at this moment after two really successful years at the Club is something I'm looking forward to. After speaking to the Board about the possibility of coming back, you could feel the enthusiasm and energy from them, and I think they felt that from me as well.
"The Club has enjoyed great success over the past couple of seasons in getting promoted and then solidifying themselves in the Championship. We want to build on that even further now, and be as competitive as possible in this division."
Reflecting on his previous spell at Bloomfield Road, Appleton admits there is an entirely different feeling around the place ten years on.
"The big thing for me is the totally different vibe around the place now," Appleton explained.
"In coming to Blackpool ten years ago, it was probably the right Club but just at the wrong time. Now it feels like the right Club at the right time. I remember coming to a game a few years back just after Simon purchased the Club, and when I walked into reception and upstairs, it felt different immediately. The atmosphere and energy that the supporters generated was incredible, and it was a different place to the last time I was here, and that was a huge factor in wanting to come back."
Appleton was in charge in the opposite dugout in the League One Play-Off Final last year, watching his Lincoln side go down to Kenny Dougall's brace at Wembley Stadium in May 2021. Having studied the Seasiders intently in the lead up to the match, Blackpool's new Head Coach feels he has a good grasp of the side 12 months on.
"I think there is a real togetherness in the side, and you could see that from the outside looking in," he said.
"Now I get the opportunity to get a feel of that from the inside, and there are players here that have real talent and are at a good age to push on and go again in the Championship this season. There is a real hunger and desire within the group to want to do well, and that was shown last season. Stepping up from League One to the Championship isn't easy, but I think a lot of the players did really well to make that adjustment and proved last year that they are more than capable of performing at this level.
"Overall, this move seems to fit really well, and I think Simon and Ben also felt that. I want to come here and play aggressive, forward thinking football and make the supporters excited to watch their team play on a Saturday."