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

[adrenachrome]

Birmingham Mail

Paul Lambert: I did not come to Aston Villa for seasons of struggle

Villa boss admits club's current position is not good enough and refuses to comment on whether he deserves a new contract

Apr 11, 2014 22:31 By Mat Kendrick

Paul Lambert has admitted that Aston Villa’s form is simply not good enough – but the manager declined to comment on whether he feels he deserves a bumper new contract.

Having put a brave face on the claret and blues’ decline in recent months, the manager finally said Villa should be much better than they are and revealed he didn’t sign up for seasons of struggle.

Speaking ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Premier League match at Crystal Palace, Lambert revealed he is unhappy with where Villa are at the moment.

But he refused to be drawn when asked by the Birmingham Mail if his own contribution warranted a contract extension and pay rise this summer.

Randy Lerner and Paul Faulkner have opened talks with the 44-year-old about improved terms ahead of the final year of his current deal next season.

Asked about whether he has earned a new deal, Lambert replied: “That will take care of itself, I’ve more pressing priorities.

“Honestly, I think there’s more things to get on with. I think that’s the least of people’s worries.

“I’m not one to look after my own back, that’s not the way I am as person. The team, the club is more important than me.”

In arguably the most candid comments of his 22-month reign, Lambert cast his trademark positivity aside to finally confront a bleaker picture.

“There’s a lot of stuff that people don’t see,” said Lambert.

“Am I happy where we are? No. Did I come to Aston Villa to do this? No.

“This club should be higher, there’s no two ways about it. It’s got a great tradition and a great pedigree.

[rob_bridge]

Birmingham Mail

Paul Lambert: I did not come to Aston Villa for seasons of struggle

Villa boss admits club's current position is not good enough and refuses to comment on whether he deserves a new contract

Apr 11, 2014 22:31 By Mat Kendrick

Paul Lambert has admitted that Aston Villa’s form is simply not good enough – but the manager declined to comment on whether he feels he deserves a bumper new contract.

Having put a brave face on the claret and blues’ decline in recent months, the manager finally said Villa should be much better than they are and revealed he didn’t sign up for seasons of struggle.

Speaking ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Premier League match at Crystal Palace, Lambert revealed he is unhappy with where Villa are at the moment.

But he refused to be drawn when asked by the Birmingham Mail if his own contribution warranted a contract extension and pay rise this summer.

Randy Lerner and Paul Faulkner have opened talks with the 44-year-old about improved terms ahead of the final year of his current deal next season.

Asked about whether he has earned a new deal, Lambert replied: “That will take care of itself, I’ve more pressing priorities.

“Honestly, I think there’s more things to get on with. I think that’s the least of people’s worries.

“I’m not one to look after my own back, that’s not the way I am as person. The team, the club is more important than me.”

In arguably the most candid comments of his 22-month reign, Lambert cast his trademark positivity aside to finally confront a bleaker picture.

“There’s a lot of stuff that people don’t see,” said Lambert.

“Am I happy where we are? No. Did I come to Aston Villa to do this? No.

“This club should be higher, there’s no two ways about it. It’s got a great tradition and a great pedigree.

This + The Kendrick article means it is only a matter of time.

[dave.woodhall]

Birmingham Mail

Paul Lambert: I did not come to Aston Villa for seasons of struggle

Villa boss admits club's current position is not good enough and refuses to comment on whether he deserves a new contract

Apr 11, 2014 22:31 By Mat Kendrick

Paul Lambert has admitted that Aston Villa’s form is simply not good enough – but the manager declined to comment on whether he feels he deserves a bumper new contract.

Having put a brave face on the claret and blues’ decline in recent months, the manager finally said Villa should be much better than they are and revealed he didn’t sign up for seasons of struggle.

Speaking ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Premier League match at Crystal Palace, Lambert revealed he is unhappy with where Villa are at the moment.

But he refused to be drawn when asked by the Birmingham Mail if his own contribution warranted a contract extension and pay rise this summer.

Randy Lerner and Paul Faulkner have opened talks with the 44-year-old about improved terms ahead of the final year of his current deal next season.

Asked about whether he has earned a new deal, Lambert replied: “That will take care of itself, I’ve more pressing priorities.

“Honestly, I think there’s more things to get on with. I think that’s the least of people’s worries.

“I’m not one to look after my own back, that’s not the way I am as person. The team, the club is more important than me.”

In arguably the most candid comments of his 22-month reign, Lambert cast his trademark positivity aside to finally confront a bleaker picture.

“There’s a lot of stuff that people don’t see,” said Lambert.

“Am I happy where we are? No. Did I come to Aston Villa to do this? No.

“This club should be higher, there’s no two ways about it. It’s got a great tradition and a great pedigree.

This + The Kendrick article means it is only a matter of time.

How do you work that out? He's been asked if he's happy and he's answered honestly.

[Steve67]

I applaud him for his honesty but I wonder what he's getting at with the comment about the bit we don't see? Excuses or a dig at someone?

[supertom]

The bit we don't see:
Lambert and Culverhouse discussing tactics-

[Louzie0]

'There's a lot of stuff that people don't see.
Am I happy where we are? No. Did I come to Aston Villa to do this? No.'

He sounds rather frustrated, doesn't he.

Something needs to change and I get the feeling it's not down to him and he has tried.

[Monty]

The bit we don't see:
Lambert and Culverhouse discussing tactics-

Perfect.

[DB]

'There's a lot of stuff that people don't see.
Am I happy where we are? No. Did I come to Aston Villa to do this? No.'

He sounds rather frustrated, doesn't he.

Something needs to change and I get the feeling it's not down to him and he has tried.

Yes, sounds like he has realised he can only go so far with bargain buys...some work, most don't.

Not saying he isn't to blame for where we are (again) but it's not just down to him.

[Monty]

I really do wonder what it is he's referring to that people don't see. It reminds me oddly of MON, who used to suggest that he was conducting frighteningly complex magical rituals behind the scenes, and that we shouldn't judge by the surface. I have to admit, I'm not buying it.

[Toronto Villa]

He's never normally that candid so the form, the role the players have played and off course his own and that of his staff appear to be getting to him. I always said that I couldn't believe a player of his tenacity and repute would want perennial mediocrity. Clearly he had higher hopes than this in year 2 even if he accepted that it wouldn't all be smooth sailing. Something has to give. He either gets properly backed or he may as well settle up with the club and go. Fans will be divided whatever happens but if he does go it will be seen as another failed appointment which ultimately none of us wanted.

[ChicagoLion]

He will never get a bigger or better job than this, he knows that and he has now admitted he has failed.

Goodbye

[Rancid custard]

It seems to be taking it's toll on him. Whenever I see him on telly he looks like he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders and his hair seems to be thinning by the week. I met him last night and he was in high spirits, really polite and chatty.

[caster troy]

Record number of home defeats and he thinks we've made definite progress and dishes out the 'fans need a reality check' stuff as though we expect to win the league. Unbelievable.

Cannot wait till he's gone. The Lambert era is the worst I have experienced for the club, at least with O'Leary we had one good season.

[Rancid custard]

Sod that, I'd take Lambert over Mcleish all day long.

[Malandro]

Sod that, I'd take Lambert over Mcleish all day long.

It is a difficult one though. Mcleish's dull football vs Lamberts clueless football.