Lincoln City manager linked with exit ahead of League One play-off semi-final second leg against Sunderland

Appleton has overseen a strong season at Sincil Bank, with Lincoln having finished fifth during the regular League One campaign.

That teed-up a play-off semi-final clash with Sunderland, with the Lincolnshire side having won the first leg 2-0.

And ahead of their return leg at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon, Appleton has been linked with the top job at West Brom.

Sam Allardyce is set to leave the Hawthorns at the end of the season following the club’s relegation to the Championship, and the BBC report that Appleton is one of the names in-line for the job.

The 45-year-old previously played for the Baggies and was also under-23 coach with the club prior to taking the job at Lincoln.

Chris Wilder is also thought to be a contender to replace Allardyce.

When quizzed on the qualities needed by his successor, Allardyce said: “You've got to look at what success they've had, whether that's in the lower divisions or in this league itself.

"I still think it's risky sometimes taking a foreign manager to try to get up in your first season in this league unless he's a foreign manager who's already in this country.

"I think it's more about sustainability and building because only one in three clubs go up on average in their first year. So it may take a bit longer and that's why I've suggested it's not for me because I am not long-term any more."

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor