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

[Monty]

Southgate was always really a centre-back, though, whereas Barry ended up clearly as a midfielder. I think the range of passing was always the thing likely to decide it in both cases, as I think it will with Clark.

[PaulWinch again]

Clark always struck me as better in midfield than defence, but I am not sure that's saying much.

A week or so after Lambert got the job, he did a WM forum, at which he said to Paul "Call Me Franksy" Franks that Clark was "no midfielder" and laughed it off.

That may be the case, but it looks increasingly like he's no defender, either.

He's more a defender than Baker in my opinion.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

Southgate was always really a centre-back, though, whereas Barry ended up clearly as a midfielder. I think the range of passing was always the thing likely to decide it in both cases, as I think it will with Clark.

Southgate came to us as a midfielder - he played as a midfielder for Palace.  Sir Brian converted him to a defender.

[not3bad]

It seems strange that Baker hasn't been taken out of the firing line as Clark's put some decent performances in at centre back this season.

[PaulWinch again]

It seems strange that Baker hasn't been taken out of the firing line as Clark's put some decent performances in at centre back this season.

It's bizarre, because frankly we might be better with 10 men than Baker playing at times.

[Monty]

Southgate was always really a centre-back, though, whereas Barry ended up clearly as a midfielder. I think the range of passing was always the thing likely to decide it in both cases, as I think it will with Clark.

Southgate came to us as a midfielder - he played as a midfielder for Palace.  Sir Brian converted him to a defender.

But he was always better as a centre-back. I suppose I mean he was clearly a natural defender.

[Brend'Watkins]

It seems strange that Baker hasn't been taken out of the firing line as Clark's put some decent performances in at centre back this season.

It's bizarre, because frankly we might be better with 10 men than Baker playing at times.

I agree.  Clark would be far better and he's not great either but at least an improvement. 

[LeeB]

Baker is right up there as one of the shittest centre halves I've seen in a Villa shirt, and to be honest Clark's not far behind.

[David_Nab]

Baker is surely there over Clark for his heading ability otherwise I am at a loss as to why he is there.

I agree with Clark in midfield too , played there before and did ok.For me the formation is not working you can play 3 attackers when they are playing but our's are not so you need to make the midfield more solid and ground out the points.Weimann frankly currently is adding sod all to the team and why he has been kept in so long whilst out of form is a mystery.

Clark in midfield would free up Delph to run forward or Westwood to concentrate on attacking more.Our midfields issue is they are neither technically gifted enough as a unite to play through teams or strong and athletic enough to pressurize the opposition.

[Big Dick Edwards]

Lambert said from the moment he got the Villa job that he saw Clark as a centre half, and not a midfield player.

[ozzjim]

How much has he been right about?

[PaulWinch again]

Baker is surely there over Clark for his heading ability otherwise I am at a loss as to why he is there.

I agree with Clark in midfield too , played there before and did ok.For me the formation is not working you can play 3 attackers when they are playing but our's are not so you need to make the midfield more solid and ground out the points.Weimann frankly currently is adding sod all to the team and why he has been kept in so long whilst out of form is a mystery.

Clark in midfield would free up Delph to run forward or Westwood to concentrate on attacking more.Our midfields issue is they are neither technically gifted enough as a unite to play through teams or strong and athletic enough to pressurize the opposition.

Well I'd argue his heading ability has barely offered us anything, because he's so bad.

[eamonn]

I can only think Lambert's persistance with Baker is that because Clark is left-footed. So too are Vlaar and Guzan (as well as whatever hapless lefty is on the flank - Bertrand, Bennett or Moon, giving us a defence-full of yohurt knitters).
Perhaps he feels Clark is more uncomfortable than Baker when playing on the right of the central defensive partnership.

[Monty]

I can only think Lambert's persistance with Baker is that because Clark is left-footed. So too are Vlaar and Guzan (as well as whatever hapless lefty is on the flank - Bertrand, Bennett or Moon, giving us a defence-full of yohurt knitters).
Perhaps he feels Clark is more uncomfortable than Baker when playing on the right of the central defensive partnership.

Vlaar's right footed, and Baker is left footed also. That is, to the extent that he could be said to be anything-footed.

[PaulWinch again]

Well if that's the case he's wrong, because Baker is bloody appalling whatever foot he uses. I don't dispute his bravery or effort, he just isn't good enough.