The Paul Lambert thread - poll reset after our capitulation to Hull

[pauliewalnuts]

Being offered, apparently.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10615174/Aston-Villa-ready-to-offer-manager-Paul-Lambert-a-new-contract.html

Aston Villa are ready to reaffirm their commitment to Paul Lambert after opening negotiations over a new ­contract for the manager.
Villa have initiated talks with ­Lambert over an extension to his present contract and the club are confident of reaching an agreement before the end of this season.
Lambert has just under 18 months remaining at Villa Park but Randy Lerner, the club’s owner, is fully behind the 44-year-old Scot and determined to introduce further ­stability by persuading him to stay on for a longer period.

Villa have appointed three managers since Martin O’Neill left in August 2010 and Lerner is reluctant to avoid any more upheaval at the club.
Tentative discussions were held with Paul Faulkner, the chief executive, in January and while Villa are relaxed about the situation it is understood that Lambert is prepared to sign a new contract in the next few months. It is likely to be another three-year deal with improved terms.

Lerner maintains an excellent working relationship with Lambert, with the pair speaking at least four times a week, and the owner believes his manager has performed an impressive rebuilding job during a period in which Villa have battled to lower their wage bill.

Despite offloading a number of high earners permanently, including Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne, Villa have still spent more than £40 million on transfer fees since Lambert’s appointment in June 2012.

Lambert’s first season at Villa Park proved turbulent, including an embarrassing Capital One Cup semi-final defeat against Bradford City and an 8-0 thrashing at Chelsea, but five victories from the club’s last 10 Premier League matches have enabled Villa to move away from the ­relegation zone.

This season has proven equally unpredictable and the former ­Nor­wich City manager has come under fire from a number of fans after a dismal run of results, particularly around the Christmas period. Home form has undoubtedly con­tributed to the criticism, with the 4-3 win against West Bromwich Albion last week just their 12th victory in 50 league games in front of their own fans.
Villa are only five points adrift of the drop zone but Lerner’s support has never wavered and he is ­convinced that progress is being made towards the long-term vision.
Lerner’s own position has come under scrutiny in recent months as he has not attended a home match so far this season. But the American still watches every game by video link and remains fully involved with the day-to-day running of the club.

Villa have also reacted strongly to reports that the club are up for sale, insisting that Lerner has no plans to walk away after pumping in £250  million since he assumed control in August 2006.
Faulkner said: “I can categorically confirm Aston Villa Football Club has absolutely not been put up for sale and that Randy Lerner is not actively looking to sell the club.”
Lerner’s commitment towards Villa will be underlined by his decision to start contract talks with Lambert.

[pauliewalnuts]

[Dave P]

Good. We need stability.

[Toronto Villa]

It's stability. Not everything is perfect but it's trying to create an environment of continuity. I've been pissed off loads of times with his tactics and style but we need to give the process time. No point looking enviously at clubs like Everton if we are going to chop and change every few years.

[Monty]

I'm sorry, it's proof that not only does Lerner not go to the matches, he doesn't watch them at all. Stability is nonsense if you don't have the right man for the job - stability, in fact, is just a synonym for loss of momentum.

Not even saying that he should be sacked, just that he's hardly done enough, in a pretty rocky, up-and-down year and a half, to warrant a mid-season extension of his contract.

[Irish villain]

'relucant to avoid stability'.

Terrible writing.


Good news on the contract. Stability is crucial but serious investment in the team this summer is even more important. Two or three quality players are needed.

[Deano's Mullet]

Lerner hasn't a clue and nor does Lambert judging by his post match comments on Saturday concerning how well we played. He obviously didn't see the stats for the game.

[Toronto Villa]

I'm sorry, it's proof that not only does Lerner not go to the matches, he doesn't watch them at all. Stability is nonsense if you don't have the right man for the job - stability, in fact, is just a synonym for loss of momentum.

Not even saying that he should be sacked, just that he's hardly done enough, in a pretty rocky, up-and-down year and a half, to warrant a mid-season extension of his contract.

He can see the same thing as everyone else from his settee. The style and performances need to improve but he has sitting mid table while spending very little. He's done as asked and we can only hope the phase of this for Lambert will be a reward of getting to spend some money on proper players this summer.

[olaftab]

Correct assumption on stability but there is no need to agree an extension just now. Wait till December and than make a decision. He will still have more than nine months left.

[BoskoDjembaSalifou]

Fucking hell. Lerner is easy to please, isn't he?

This is all very depressing.

[Leighton]

Cor blimey, I can't wait to renew my season ticket. It's going to be so exciting watching us at home for the next few years.

[pauliewalnuts]

That's a terrible article.

"Five victories from the last ten Premier League matches".

Really? I make it two.

I think he needs to remove the word "have".

[sirlordbaltimore]

Well after that Lerner not looking to sell bombshell this is another kick in the balls.

How very very depressing

[Dave Clark Five]

What do they discuss 'at least four times a week'?

[not3bad]

Strange time to sign a contact extension, would have thought they'd wait until the end of the season.  Still, this shows Lerner's commitment to the club anyway.  He wouldn't have done this if he was looking to sell would he?