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

[Ads]

Seeing as the relegation thread is closed, I am not sure where to put this. But I was musing this morning while ironing my shirt [that's right ladies, sexy and domesticated, I am the full package] is this is the earliest we have been safe for the past four years?

We went into the penultimate game at Arsenal and made ourselves mathematically safe under Houllier, as we did under McLeish against Spurs at home with the draw. Then last season we weren't safe until Wigan lost at Arsenal, so we had already played 37 by then, whereas this time we are safe having played 36 games. Am I right with that?

[WarszaVillan]

Under McLeish we weren't mathematically safe I think until the last game of the season at Norwich (although it would have taken some crazy goal difference change to have relegated us).

[Chris Smith]

... I think that there are clear indicators of how the team might be better next season, regardless of who is in charge of the squad on match day.

I agree with this; I think Lambert's squad-forming has been okay. The challenge has - IMO - been similar to that which we had with MON: poor coaching, indifferent tactics, I'll-defined playing style and the absence of a plan B.
All issues which I didn't expect us to be facing when he joined us, since I saw these as his strengths, based on what we'd seen of him at Norwich.

I am by no means trying to make any great defence of the man but I honestly believe that given the circumstances of financial cutbacks, trimming the wage bill and thus the squad combined with major injuries to key players being where we are was the likely outcome under any manager.

Of course, a truly great manager at the top of his game would probably have done better but that isn't the market we are in. We, therefore, have to take calculated gambles both on and off the pitch. If Lambert goes my fear, no, my expectation, is that we will be back here again in 18 months time; trotting out the same pro and anti arguments.

[SoccerHQ]

I agree in these circumstances Chris changing the manager will purely be cosmetic especially when some of the candidates being linked with the job have achieved less than Lambert in the game.

A takeover will dramatically change everything for us, not that I see Lambert surviving it as very few managers do when ownership changes hands.

[SheffieldVillain]

If Lambert goes my fear, no, my expectation, is that we will be back here again in 18 months time; trotting out the same pro and anti arguments.

Probably true.

My fear if Lambert goes can be summed up in four words: Sam Allardyce / Tim Sherwood.

[PaulWinch again]

If Lambert goes my fear, no, my expectation, is that we will be back here again in 18 months time; trotting out the same pro and anti arguments.

Probably true.

My fear if Lambert goes can be summed up in four words: Sam Allardyce / Tim Sherwood.

The thought of Sherwood would be truly terrifying.

[JUAN PABLO]

I dont see the point of keeping him now.

Might as well get rid now .   All this new owners talk is obviously making it hard to predict when he will go.

[not3bad]

No point in doing anything until Randy's statement on Sunday. Wouldn't make any difference either way.

[pauliewalnuts]

I wouldn't assume it'll be on sunday.

He just said after the season ends, that could be any time, I guess.

[olaftab]

Seeing as the relegation thread is closed, I am not sure where to put this. But I was musing this morning while ironing my shirt [that's right ladies, sexy and domesticated, I am the full package] is this is the earliest we have been safe for the past four years?

We went into the penultimate game at Arsenal and made ourselves mathematically safe under Houllier, as we did under McLeish against Spurs at home with the draw. Then last season we weren't safe until Wigan lost at Arsenal, so we had already played 37 by then, whereas this time we are safe having played 36 games. Am I right with that?

And roasting a joint to perfection in the oven?
Well you have pointed to a huge improvement over the last two seasons but I think under Houllier nay MacAllister we were safe and on 48/49 points by the end of the season. Concentrate on getting that crease right.

[PaulWinch again]

I imagine it will be reasonably promptly. I have a feeling that Randy and Lambert are staying, but there will be more money available.

[john e]

I wouldn't assume it'll be on sunday.

He just said after the season ends, that could be any time, I guess.

I think this is the thing, it could be anytime in the next 2 months even,
people are expecting some news on Sun/Mon but it might not happen quite so quickly

in fact my guess would be it wont happen for a while yet

[not3bad]

I have the notion Randy won't hang around once the season ends, but we'll see.

[ozzjim]

Would be my guess Paul.

[supertom]

Seeing as the relegation thread is closed, I am not sure where to put this. But I was musing this morning while ironing my shirt [that's right ladies, sexy and domesticated, I am the full package] is this is the earliest we have been safe for the past four years?

We went into the penultimate game at Arsenal and made ourselves mathematically safe under Houllier, as we did under McLeish against Spurs at home with the draw. Then last season we weren't safe until Wigan lost at Arsenal, so we had already played 37 by then, whereas this time we are safe having played 36 games. Am I right with that?

I think we'd hit 40 points by mid-april in Houlliers season so we weren't really that close in the end. By the end we were miles clear to be fair.
Last three seasons though it's certainly been squeeky arse time. As yet we've not gone into the final day needing a result. Thank Christ because I dunno if I could take it.