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

[pauliewalnuts]

It's interesting that Lambert said he wanted to get 'proven players' in, that's at least a bit encouraging.

Is he finally admitting that The Project was a total failure? no more young, hungry, shit signings?

Basically yes.

To be fair, the mantra altered a while back, he was saying as much towards the arse end of the season.

I don't think things will change hugely, though.

If you look at this bit of his statement (released by the club):

"The squad requires strengthening, that's self-evident, and it won't be easy within the current circumstances. But we'll look to identify players of proven quality to bring in and get ready for the start of the new season.

[LeeB]

I think we'll do a genuine about-face, and look at experienced player loan deals, which would make sense if we're in the sale process as we don't have to commit to long term liabilities.

[rob_bridge]

I think we'll do a genuine about-face, and look at experienced player loan deals, which would make sense if we're in the sale process as we don't have to commit to long term liabilities.

Yes in keeping with the complete lack of conisstent approach and strategy we will lurch to that conclusion.

Hoprfully it will work - a broken clock is right twice a day.

[rob_bridge]

No susrpise Lambert is staying in the short term.

To me this is likely to imply that the sale is far from impending.

[paulcomben]

At least we will know that we have a new owner, subject to his fit and proper person test (which he will fail but then pass on appeal), when he prematurely phones Lambert and fires him. Leeds United stylee.

[DeKuip]

Cheer up everybody - the sun is shining... we haven't got a summer worrying whether our best players are going to get nicked by other clubs... and in a couple of weeks time we'll be second in the table again for about ten weeks.
Life is good.

[paul_e]

I don't think things will change hugely, though.

If you look at this bit of his statement (released by the club):

"The squad requires strengthening, that's self-evident, and it won't be easy within the current circumstances. But we'll look to identify players of proven quality to bring in and get ready for the start of the new season.

He'd be an absolute mug not to include that, it's his 'get out of jail free card' if he signs no one or average shit and we struggle again, he can just refer back and point out that he did the best he could with the resources available.


Any statements like that this summer from Lambert are as much about protecting his own image as anything else.  That's the same reason I'd have been amazed if he walked, now he can ay he did the right thing by the club even if that was potentially bad for his career.  Not to be cynical but he's got the opportunity to build up a portfolio of excuses for his performance as our manager, he'd be made not to take that up.


None of this hides the fact that his coaching and tactics have generally made a bunch of technically decent players look like a bunch of lower league plodders, particularly in the last 2-3months.  I supported Lambert longer than most on here but the complete drop off in performances since March just wasn't good enough.

[PeterWithesShin]

I will say, that even on the, very slim, chance that Randy has said "here's £40m Paul, get some quality in" it would make sense to make out we are still 'paupers'. It probably isn't that at all, but it's what i'd do if I were one of the Pauls and we were planning to spend a few bob.

[LeeB]

I will say, that even on the, very slim, chance that Randy has said "here's £40m Paul, get some quality in" it would make sense to make out we are still 'paupers'. It probably isn't that at all, but it's what i'd do if I were one of the Pauls and we were planning to spend a few bob.

Aye.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

If he's staying, then fine, but he has got to be backed.

If there is a takeover going on in the background, then we have to assume it won't happen and plan along that basis. Which means giving him a decent amount of money to spend and not forcing him to spend it all at the Lidl end of the market because of the wage bill.

Nobody forced him to buy those players or play without any understandable tactics. He shouldn't be backed, he should be sacked but hopefully this is just a very short term fix and a new manager will soon be appointed by the new owners.

I'm not going to panic just now. In 6 weeks time I may start to get a bit nervous but right now I could care more.

[Matt C]

It was widely reported Albrighton was offered a new deal was it not? If he's turned it down then so be it but I'd be surprised.

[curiousorange]

One rider I would attach to the necessity of backing Lambert for however long he remains manager is that Lambert himself has to face up to the mistakes he's made. All clubs have unpopular players but to purposely ostracise members of the squad seems extremely self-defeating. This is a manager thread, so we can leave the 'Darren Bent, yay or nay?' argument for another time, but I'd like it if the whole club could let bygones be bygones and offer everyone a chance to improve our lot.

Added to that, I'd appreciate it if he could also ditch the long-ball tactics as his plan A.

[mr underhill]

on the money as ever Curious.

[supertom]

It was widely reported Albrighton was offered a new deal was it not? If he's turned it down then so be it but I'd be surprised.

It's difficult to know really. One week we hear that contracts are on hold, the next we hear, certain players have been offered, and some haven't. I've heard Alby has been offered a deal but still favours Leicester. I've also heard he's not been considered for a new deal. Though I think whatever is true, the liklihood is that he's played his last game for us.

[villa `cross the mersey]

So we go again - fan fucking tastic - On the day Manure announce Van Gaal we announce Lambert ..well thats certainly gonna shift some season tickets and shirts pre-season.
With the possibility of little to spend on incoming players (and who would want to come with all the uncertainty) we may be left with picking up journeymen loanees looking for a last fat pay day.
The future looks grim..... on the bright side - lovely weather isnt it ?