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

[sirlordbaltimore]

Completely agree, he stood out because of his energy and desire in the run-in. However, I've long been of the opinion that in terms of quality, he's a Championship player at best.

But based on that what does it say about the rest of them ?

[Singapore Villa]

What is ironic is that he was one of our best players in the back end of the season, but that was not that hard, given how garbage most of them played.  Surprised he has offered Gardner a new deal but not one to Albrighton. 

I'd agree on that. I am not a huge Albrighton fan, but he was one of our best players in the run in.

Completely agree, he stood out because of his energy and desire in the run-in. However, I've long been of the opinion that in terms of quality, he's a Championship player at best.

Totally agree with that sentiment.  He looked like he cared which means alot as a fan when the sh*t is hitting the fan, but he does have limited quality so he was always going to struggle longer term.  He also used to concede so many stupid free kicks that I would be pulling my hair out!

Anyway, back on topic please lads.

[kippaxvilla2]

What is worse? Having no sale imminent, a manager having left us, with no one prepared to replace him whilst the issue of the ownership is undecided?  Or, have Lambert stay despite his shortcomings, having some money for two or three quality signings whilst a new owner is sought?

We have no choice, it is now time to get behind him and hope he can get some decent talent in.

[Simon Ward]

Apparently there is some other "hot" footballing story today!

[Simba]

I can actually understand Lerner asking Lambert to stay with a view to continuity. However, if there is a sale I think new owners would want a bigger, more proven name. I hope.

Giving Lambert the assurance and 'go again' message points at no sale being currently negotiated.

Guessing like all of us ( the guru, soothsayer Admin excepted of course) I reckon that there WAS a sale pending and it has fallen through.

[RussellC]

What is worse? Having no sale imminent, a manager having left us, with no one prepared to replace him whilst the issue of the ownership is undecided?  Or, have Lambert stay despite his shortcomings, having some money for two or three quality signings whilst a new owner is sought?

We have no choice, it is now time to get behind him and hope he can get some decent talent in.

I can understand why Lambert's still in charge, I'm just struggling to understand the wisdom of releasing a statement that basically says "we're in a mess, we've got no money but we'll struggle on through" as a way to attract "quality players" to sign and loyal supporters to renew their season-tickets.

[Nev]

I fear we may be pushing our luck too far with this. It's hard to be positive when faced with another season watching Clarke and Baker.

[Olneythelonely]

I like everything Lambert has said there. I like Lambert a lot. This is a better situation than no new owner, no manager and players not knowing what the hell is going on. He needs to be backed financially now, if Lerner doesn't, then we are completely doomed and he'll find it a lot harder to sell a team heading for the championship.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'm surprised if we are letting Albrighton go, assuming it's not his choice to leave. Despite all the "he's championship at best" or "only looks good because our others players are poor" type thing, it's forgotten he was looking good against nearly every side he played against. He absolutely mugged off Next Big Thing Shaw numerous times for example.

[pauliewalnuts]

I like everything Lambert has said there. I like Lambert a lot. This is a better situation than no new owner, no manager and players not knowing what the hell is going on. He needs to be backed financially now, if Lerner doesn't, then we are completely doomed and he'll find it a lot harder to sell a team heading for the championship.

I like him in that he always seems a decent bloke.

I just can't see how sacking Lambert now - if there wasn't a takeover about to be signed off - would make any sense at all, regardless of how abysmally he performed last season (and it was abysmal, there's no escaping that).

In fact, sacking him now in those circumstances would be the worst thing Randy could do right now. Surely sacking the manager, with our recent spending habits, while there was no imminent takeover, and with the uncertainty of Randy's commitment would have been too nuts even for someone like Randy to do.

[LeeB]

I think we should temper our surprise at letting Marc go and consider the choice may not have been up to the club.

[not3bad]

I fear we may be pushing our luck too far with this. It's hard to be positive when faced with another season watching Clarke and Baker.

Good news is you won't be seeing Clarke. He's the ex-manager of West Brom.

[pauliewalnuts]

I fear we may be pushing our luck too far with this. It's hard to be positive when faced with another season watching Clarke and Baker.

At least Okore coming back means we might not see one of them.

[LeeB]

I fear we may be pushing our luck too far with this. It's hard to be positive when faced with another season watching Clarke and Baker.

Good news is you won't be seeing Clarke. He's the ex-manager of West Brom.

I'd still take him as a player of those two.

[kippaxvilla2]

I fear we may be pushing our luck too far with this. It's hard to be positive when faced with another season watching Clarke and Baker.

One decent Centre Half (Lescott), one decent creative midfielder (Modric), one goalpoacher (Bent) and retaining our other decent players, would see us through to mid table.