What Michael Appleton wants to see from Blackpool players ahead of Leeds United & Rangers tests

New Blackpool boss Michael Appleton wants his players to stay strong and get fit in the coming weeks after their first pre-season outing with tests against Leeds United and Rangers on the horizon.

Appleton began his second spell as Seasiders boss at Haig Avenue with a 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Southport. The Seasiders were comfortable in the game where they played two different XI's in either half on their first outing under Appleton, as CJ Hamilton opened the scoring after a driving run into the area from Sonny Carey saw the ball fall to the winger inside the 18-yard-box, he duly dispatched into the right bottom corner.

As they continued to control the proceedings, their presence on the edge of the area told, this time Beryly Lubala slotted home after a generally impressive first half performance for the forward. He was making his first appearance for Blackpool since his return from a loan at Northampton Town.

The top prospect backed for success by Michael Appleton as Blackpool seek Academy production line

Blackpool take on Premier League side Leeds on Thursday. They then have a pre-season training camp in Scotland before returning for a friendly against Old Firm giants Rangers.

Appleton typically plays with a 4-3-3 formation with a single holding midfielder, something he has employed at previous clubs Oxford United and Lincoln City. He has been clear this is what he eventually wants to see at Blackpool, but adopted a 4-4-2 in the second half at Haig Avenue just to ensure players got minutes in their legs.

And Appleton believes his players are taking his philosophy and ideas about how he wants to see the game played on board. The Seasiders boss wants his team to continue to improve their fitness and sharpness,