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

[pauliewalnuts]

I think anyone who reckons Guzan is "bog standard" is never going to be happy, frankly, so there's not much point arguing with them on that.

[brontebilly]

Guzan's shot stopping is better than Friedel's and his distribution isn't much worse. Friedel wasn't great in that department either.

Friedel wasnt great in any department imo, could never understand the love-in for him in the game

would prefer Guzan to him any day. Guzan has great agility

[Jarpie]

Guzan's shot stopping is better than Friedel's and his distribution isn't much worse. Friedel wasn't great in that department either.

Friedel wasnt great in any department imo, could never understand the love-in for him in the game

would prefer Guzan to him any day. Guzan has great agility

Plus Friedel was always glued on the line in set pieces and crossings.

[SamTheMouse]

Guzan's shot stopping is better than Friedel's and his distribution isn't much worse. Friedel wasn't great in that department either.

Friedel wasnt great in any department imo, could never understand the love-in for him in the game

would prefer Guzan to him any day. Guzan has great agility

Plus Friedel was always glued on the line in set pieces and crossings.

Friedel was always very vocal and communicated well with his defenders. I think that's an underrated quality in a keeper, and Guzan seems to have taken it on board. He's growing into the role and becoming a kind of elder statesman (not surprising with the callow outfielders in front of him). He commands his area well. Also, the gold standard test for all goalkeepers is how they deal with crosses. Frankly, a lot of these supposedly brilliant keepers are shit at claiming high balls, but Guzan's been superb at it for the most part this season. I wouldn't swap him for anyone right now.

[silhillvilla]

For anyone moaning about Guzan, jeez, I'd suggest a break and a kit kat.
There are loads of other things worth moaning about but not Guzan.

[not3bad]

Guzan's shot stopping is better than Friedel's and his distribution isn't much worse. Friedel wasn't great in that department either.

Friedel wasnt great in any department imo, could never understand the love-in for him in the game

would prefer Guzan to him any day. Guzan has great agility

Plus Friedel was always glued on the line in set pieces and crossings.

Yes, similar with Given in that fault. Guzan is much better here.

[saunders_heroes]

Vlaar and Guzan aren't Premier League quality? come on now.

Nothing more than average. I think it's because we've been that poor over the last few years that even average players stand out to the fans.

I would argue that most fans with any balance will say that at times both players have under performed but for the most part both players have ranged from good, very good and even excellent at times. When you say fans, you're talking about you I assume.

I think they're just not that good. I think you've just been blown away with just how average they are, and compared to how poor the rest of the squad is they've stood out for you - hence you overrating them.

[saunders_heroes]

He's up there with Rimmer and Bosnich as my favourite villa keepers. Hope he stays with us a long time.

Jesus wept.

[Clampy]

Vlaar has been better than he was last season. Guzan has been great considering the defence in front of him.

[saunders_heroes]

Vlaar has been better than he was last season. Guzan has been great considering the defence in front of him.

He's definitely improved on last season, but last season he was awful so it wouldn't take much to improve on that.

[saunders_heroes]

I think anyone who reckons Guzan is "bog standard" is never going to be happy, frankly, so there's not much point arguing with them on that.

I'll be happy when Lerner and Lambert have gone. Then we can start getting rid of the shit they packed the team out with.

[supertom]

Guzans been one of the top 6 keepers the last 2 seasons. Very consistent, very reliable. Last season wasn't he top of the table regarding catches? I'd guess he'd be right up there again this season. Absolutely no worries on the Goose.
In all honesty I think he'll prove to be more consistent over a long period of time and less erratic than Bosnich was. Bozzie was class too, but I reckon in 2-3 years Guzan may have overtaken him in the grand pantheon of Villa keepers.

Vlaars a top 10 quality defender. No more no less. He's more than good enough for us for the next couple of years. Ideally we'll replace him with better and he'll become a very reliable back up on the bench.

[Clampy]

Vlaar has been better than he was last season. Guzan has been great considering the defence in front of him.

He's definitely improved on last season, but last season he was awful so it wouldn't take much to improve on that.

It takes a while for some foreign players to get used to the league. It's the way it is sometimes unfortunately.

[old man villa fan]

Looking for a new manager, you have to consider where you want to finish in the table.  I would say you could break that down to:

1. Top 4
2. 5 to 8
3. 9 to 12
4. 13 to 17
5. Assume nobody wants somebody that will finish in the bottom 3 places

To this you need to add how much money we will need to get from where we are now to each bracket above.

To this you need to assess how much money a new manager would want for putting his reputation on the line to achieve the expectations.  On this point, how many managers walk away from Villa with a better reputation than when they arrived.  Probably only SGT Mk I in modern (post 1980) times.

My thoughts are:

1.  £200m plus
2.  £100m
3.  £50m
4.  £25m
5.  less than £15m

Now try and match the managers to the above criteria and add in the little thing of an owner coming up with the money to match the dreams of the supporters, or should that be fantasies.

In my opinion we will be lucky to hit level 3 and that then limits us to relatively ambitious unknowns if we want brighter football and potentially a better future.  Of course we could play it safe and go for a known PL manager whose ambition is to be happy to stay in the division and play dull, uninspired football and continue to finish in the bottom half of the table.

I think with the current manager 4 or perhaps 3 are possible with the money.  Again, in my opinion, Moyes fits level 2.

The biggest problem we have at the present time, is not the manager but the money.

[not3bad]

Vlaar has been better than he was last season. Guzan has been great considering the defence in front of him.

He's definitely improved on last season, but last season he was awful so it wouldn't take much to improve on that.

Guzan will be here a long time after Lerner if the rumours are true.  Possibly Lambert too if the new owners don't give him a chance.