Lambert’s gone, so what’s next?

Quite frankly, my head’s in a spin, as I was really convinced that the club would not sack Paul Lambert under any circumstances during this season.

But now that Lambert has been sacked, I want to be amongst the first to offer him my commiseration.
Not for anything he’s done for the club, you understand, but more for the way he must have suffered in the last few months.

My opinion says he must have gone through a world of hurt with the criticism that has come his way for a long time. No manager wants to keep reading about how poor his team, tactics and results are, but I think the pressure piled on him this season has been somewhat unprecedented: even worse than the vitriol Big Feck faced, I’d suggest.
It’s been mentioned by more than one commenter on here that Lambert has looked ill recently and it’s a point I’d agree with.
I really wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Hopefully, he’ll take some time out and get himself sorted, before he starts at another club.

And that’s where my sympathy ends.

The brutal truth is that he’s been handsomely rewarded for doing an awful job.
I’m sure I don’t need to mention all the bad records that have been broken, but where else can you get paid so well for doing so poorly?
It’s just shocking really, but anyway, Lambert’s reign is over, so I’m going to leave it there.

So, where do we go from here?

This is the interesting or more likely, worrying part.

The big question is have the club planned for this eventuality?

Why do I have this nagging worry that it’s only down to a concerted effort from the fans yesterday, combined with the Evening Mail actually having the balls to call it as it is and the stupidly monster new $ky deal, that made the club change it’s mind?

Whatever, I was talking to an Albion fan who was insisting that we won’t go down.
A Stokey friend of mine also had a similar view, in that there are three teams worse than us.
My reply to both was “Who? We’d be better with no manager at all and surely even I couldn’t be worse!”.

So what’s my point?

Well, even if the club haven’t got anyone lined up (and it really wouldn’t surprise me if we haven’t), things could hardly be any worse.

Given the improved performances from other teams who have got rid of their manager recently, I’m now interested to see if any of our player’s performances immediately improve.

Regardless, Lambert’s removal can only be good and we should be happy, even if it’s too late.

175 Comments

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  1. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 4:30 pm . Reply

    New manager is Chinese national coach is name is Win OneSoon .

    1. DSVilla
      DSVilla February 12, 2015 at 4:33 pm . Reply

      We will probably get his kid, Dim Son

    2. New Regime
      New Regime February 12, 2015 at 4:51 pm . Reply

      I heard the front runner was Sum Ting Wong? Can you clarify this??

      1. Bill Pearson
        Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 4:57 pm . Reply

        Or his brother foo kin don kees!

  2. Jay Dee
    Jay Dee February 12, 2015 at 5:09 pm . Reply

    I heard it was Wan King sum wan

  3. New Regime
    New Regime February 12, 2015 at 5:12 pm . Reply

    haha

    In all seriosness we should be looking abroad and to experience, is Lerner ready to finally spend or buy out contracts? I think probably not.

    Rangnick, Bilic, Benitez or Hiddink please

    1. New Regime
      New Regime February 12, 2015 at 5:15 pm . Reply

      Oh yeah or Simeone of course, anyone wanna play the game where we name our favorite managers who

      Villa definitely won’t get because we’ll settle with Sherwood because he’s cheap.

      Can any pro-Sherwood fanatics explain to me what he’s done??

      1. Ardent Villain
        Ardent Villain February 12, 2015 at 5:27 pm . Reply

        Not seen any pro-Sherwood fanatics on here!

        The guy appears to have acquired a reputation for trying to tie owners down to written promises about the support he’ll receive before agreeing to join – some reckon that makes him almost unemployable – so whatever other qualities he has, that would at least be a pointer to what Lerner/Fox’s ambitions really are…

        1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
          OohAhPaulMcGrath February 12, 2015 at 6:01 pm . Reply

          I wouldn’t be happy wit sherwood he’s only had a few months at Spurs and wasn’t great there

          1. Andrew
            Andrew February 12, 2015 at 7:56 pm . Reply

            He had a 50% win record at Spurs. While I’m not a big fan of his, he was definitely “great” there in his stint and if we won 50% of our games left… We’d be sitting pretty.

    2. bencey83
      bencey83 February 12, 2015 at 5:47 pm . Reply

      Dream on. Why would any of these top managers accept the poisoned challice of being Villa manager and risk their reputation. Most of these managers would be demanding big bucks to buy players and want to be competing in the Champions League. We’re probably more likely to end up with someome from the Championship!

      1. New Regime
        New Regime February 12, 2015 at 8:56 pm . Reply

        I know Bencey83, but I’ll keep on dreaming thanks! Would be niec though right.

        The main problem would be cashmoney as you say. But the ‘poisned chalice’ thing is bollocks, we’ve just had mediocre managers.

        The two things in our favour here are we are prem club, every manager wantes to manage in the prem and second we’re a big club ‘a sleeping giant’ to quote Maclaren today.

      2. billys boots
        billys boots February 12, 2015 at 9:25 pm . Reply

        they might make a reputation bencey

  4. Jay Dee
    Jay Dee February 12, 2015 at 5:18 pm . Reply

    Fox is choosing the next manager.Fox was bought in to do the hiring & firing.Cant see a man like Fox when choosing his 1st manager choosing an unproven manager who might take us down making him look like a chump.

    1. marvin
      marvin February 12, 2015 at 5:22 pm . Reply

      I was just going to say the same thing. I’m sure Fox will be looking to do everything possible to get someone of quality and experience in. This appointment will define his tenure at Villa and will cement is vision for the club. As much as the club needs a good manager, I guarantee you Fox’s motivations stem from needing someone who will make him look good even if Lerner has to pay for it.

      1. Jay Dee
        Jay Dee February 12, 2015 at 5:35 pm . Reply
        1. Jay Dee
          Jay Dee February 12, 2015 at 5:38 pm . Reply

          Seems like an astute man of action and won’t be messed with.Think he will want to prove who Tom Fox is by unveiling a proper manager lets hope so

          1. mike
            mike February 12, 2015 at 6:24 pm . Reply

            QPR taking Ramsey. We should take laudrup .

          2. Andrew
            Andrew February 12, 2015 at 7:54 pm . Reply

            Laudrup was sacked at Swansea for taking them towards relegation and being too stubborn to accept any blame for how bad they were playing. We’ve honestly have had enough of those through O’Neill, McLeish and Lambert for 1 decade.

  5. bencey83
    bencey83 February 12, 2015 at 5:48 pm . Reply

    Please…not McClaren!

  6. #HELENIUS
    #HELENIUS February 12, 2015 at 5:57 pm . Reply

    Tuchel, Bilic or Klinsmann for me

    1. Andrew
      Andrew February 12, 2015 at 7:53 pm . Reply

      Not sure if Mainz would let Tuchel go, still under contract and they seem to dislike him, which you’d think means they’d let him go but they haven’t. My first choice.

      Bilic is another one I’d love to see. Another struggle to get out of his contract at Besiktas, but I think it’d be plausible. Has a 55% win record in his coaching career. Much needed.

      Klinsmann we’re not getting out of his USMNT contract. A lot of fans and coaches etc here absolutely think the guy is god’s gift to the USMNT.

  7. BWS
    BWS February 12, 2015 at 6:37 pm . Reply

    Big Sam in the last year of his contract at Upton Park so the compo wouldn’t be excessive, couldn’t get more experienced, works on a budget (Bolton) and is a Midlander.
    Any takers?

    1. GIDDYVILLAN
      GIDDYVILLAN February 12, 2015 at 6:49 pm . Reply

      After Lambert mate I’d take a trained chimp

      1. BWS
        BWS February 12, 2015 at 6:59 pm . Reply

        B’ham Mail
        Cheeta signs 4 year deal at VP.

        1. Bill Pearson
          Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 7:10 pm . Reply

          Ever thought of doing stand up comic BWS. I’ve just coughing up a gold watch.

          1. BWS
            BWS February 12, 2015 at 7:15 pm . Reply

            Bill, Johnny Weissmuller’s is his number 2.

          2. BWS
            BWS February 12, 2015 at 7:24 pm . Reply

            And Maureen O’Sullivan is DOF (-:

        2. GIDDYVILLAN
          GIDDYVILLAN February 12, 2015 at 7:19 pm . Reply

          BWS Britains got talent you’d win it hands down mate,I nearly fell down a whole laffing.

          1. Bill Pearson
            Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 7:38 pm . Reply

            Giddy BWS and I use to go in the 2 penny crush at the flicks to we Tarzan, its supperman we need or Roy Rogers.

          2. Bill Pearson
            Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 7:39 pm . Reply

            Watch

    2. marvin
      marvin February 12, 2015 at 6:52 pm . Reply

      Could his body handle the pressure and stress? Look what we did to the last 3 managers. I would be afraid we would send him to the hospital.

      1. BWS
        BWS February 12, 2015 at 6:57 pm . Reply

        We could always get a defibrillator for the dugout. Hang about there might already be one from the GH days… Sorted.

        1. marvin
          marvin February 12, 2015 at 7:01 pm . Reply

          Safety first.

        2. Bill Pearson
          Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 7:18 pm . Reply

          BWS I’ve just started on a bottle of whisky the missus bought me for Valentine’s day, so please keep them stand ups coming, with Lambert gone and the thought of a new man at Villa I’m having happy days. Klingsman for me more of a professional man for the job, the rest have no CV that Villa want.

          1. GIDDYVILLAN
            GIDDYVILLAN February 12, 2015 at 7:25 pm . Reply

            Fairplay Bill get it down yer MATE say hi to the Mrs.

          2. BWS
            BWS February 12, 2015 at 7:26 pm . Reply

            Klinsmann would be the dogs Bill but I just can’t see it happening.

          3. BWS
            BWS February 12, 2015 at 7:28 pm . Reply

            Single Malt or blended Bill?

          4. Bill Pearson
            Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 7:40 pm . Reply

            Sorry mate cheap stuff Bells.

          5. BWS
            BWS February 12, 2015 at 7:41 pm . Reply

            Nowt wrong with Bells mate, enjoy.

    3. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath February 12, 2015 at 8:49 pm . Reply

      West Ham fans still want him out I’m told even though he’s arguably the best manager they’ve ever had

      1. Andrew
        Andrew February 12, 2015 at 9:01 pm . Reply

        If they do, they’re stupid. He’s not even playing hoofball anymore like he’s “known” for. If they don’t want him, he can come to Villa and bring Kouyate and Sakho with him.

        Also I’ve never witnessed a manager get the best out of Downing like he has. Top 3 goal scoring creators in the league so far.

  8. GIDDYVILLAN
    GIDDYVILLAN February 12, 2015 at 7:21 pm . Reply

    Klopp?????

    1. Ardent Villain
      Ardent Villain February 12, 2015 at 7:27 pm . Reply

      As long as it’s not Hoddle: would probably bring David Icke as his number 2…

      1. BWS
        BWS February 12, 2015 at 7:32 pm . Reply

        Quality, the first thing he’d do is demand the disabled seats taken out… Well it’s their own fault anyway!
        (No offence meant to any disabled person)

        1. Bill Pearson
          Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 8:09 pm . Reply

          Shit BWS should I get rid of my mobility scooter?.

          1. BWS
            BWS February 12, 2015 at 8:19 pm . Reply

            Mobility scooter hey Bill?
            You must have been a wrong’un in a past life.

          2. Bill Pearson
            Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 9:00 pm . Reply

            BWS I can still out run a gazelle , think it might have been my sports in my younger days, only kidding.

    2. Andrew
      Andrew February 12, 2015 at 7:49 pm . Reply

      Absolutely dreaming. If he left Dortmund clubs would be sacking their manager’s left and right to get him in.

      1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
        OohAhPaulMcGrath February 12, 2015 at 8:52 pm . Reply

        Not necessarily top four are happy with managers and his stock is Lowcat the moment

        1. Andrew
          Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:58 pm . Reply

          Not just talking in England but I’m sure City would get rid of Pellegrini, United get rid of Van Gaal and Southampton would probably reluctantly get rid of Koeman if Klopp came up to them and was like “I’d leave Dortmund for you”. Klopp’s stock just like their players stock is still as high as ever.

    3. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath February 12, 2015 at 8:50 pm . Reply

      Would love Klopp good chance as his stock is rock bottom and BD want shot of him

      1. Andrew
        Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:58 pm . Reply

        Dortmund want shot of him? Dortmund still love the guy, as much as he loves Dortmund, which he does.

      2. Bill Pearson
        Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 9:03 pm . Reply

        Oohah do you mean Flopp ?

  9. Hitchens 60
    Hitchens 60 February 12, 2015 at 7:39 pm . Reply

    Big Sam for me all day long and he’s a Brummie.

    1. Bill Pearson
      Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 7:43 pm . Reply

      Hitchen I didn’t know that, a Brummie,

  10. BWS
    BWS February 12, 2015 at 7:46 pm . Reply

    He aint H60/Bill he’s a yam yam born in Dudlaay.

    1. Bill Pearson
      Bill Pearson February 12, 2015 at 8:11 pm . Reply

      Sod that he could be a EDF supporter,

      1. Hitchens 60
        Hitchens 60 February 12, 2015 at 8:22 pm . Reply

        Yeah – well it’s closer to home than Glasgow! Wasn’t Big Sam on Villa’s books at one time?

  11. Andrew
    Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:08 pm . Reply

    Frank De Boer? He’s said he wants to manage in the Prem when Tottenham were linked. Or someone like Remi Garde wouldn’t be bad either.

    1. BWS
      BWS February 12, 2015 at 8:14 pm . Reply

      Good call that. I suggested him pre- Lambert but it was poo- pooed because of his lack of experience but with a win rate of 58.82% and 204 game under is belt that couldn’t be said of him now.
      Would he come though? Are Ajax still in the CL? I can’t see him upping sticks and coming to sunny Brum if they are.

      1. Hitchens 60
        Hitchens 60 February 12, 2015 at 8:23 pm . Reply

        Frank ‘the bore’ LOL only kidding

      2. Andrew
        Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:24 pm . Reply

        No idea, but well worth a shout. Not sure if he’d give up on Ajax now, probably not. And no, they got blown out of the water by PSG and Barcelona, which isn’t surprising.

        Read a name on facebook someone claiming will be announced on Sunday (I figured it’d be after the Leicester game), but the name being Claudio Ranieri. Not one I thought of but a solid manager, well experienced. Not the top of the food chain but one that could well lead us safe.

        1. BWS
          BWS February 12, 2015 at 8:34 pm . Reply

          The Tinkerman? Ye Gods no, this has to be a wind up! He’s just been sacked by Greece after playing 4, drawing 1 and losing 3 so you could say he’s hardly at the peak of his powers.

          1. Andrew
            Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:48 pm . Reply

            Haha, forgot he lost to the Faroe Islands. Still I think he’s a good enough club coach.

      3. Andrew
        Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:25 pm . Reply

        and yeah, I suggested a lot of managers pre-Lambert. Tuchel, Yakin, Garde and one who I still really wanna see is Sagnol.

        1. marvin
          marvin February 12, 2015 at 8:49 pm . Reply

          Garde would be something.

          1. Andrew
            Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:55 pm . Reply

            Was solid at Lyon, left for personal reasons and family and wanted a break. Wonder how long he plans to be out for.

  12. Vvv88
    Vvv88 February 12, 2015 at 8:19 pm . Reply

    We should get Prandelli, did great things at Fiorentina and came out as a Villa fan to Farina last year. Also he knows English.

    1. Vvv88
      Vvv88 February 12, 2015 at 8:23 pm . Reply

      hes unattached since being at Galatasary too.

      1. BWS
        BWS February 12, 2015 at 8:41 pm . Reply

        Another good call, just looked at his Wiki page, his record is pretty amazing.

        1. Andrew
          Andrew February 12, 2015 at 8:51 pm . Reply

          43.6% win rate according to transfrmarket… Not all that good compared to a few others mentioned. Although a lot of that is down to managing Lecce and Atalanta in the late 90’s, he’s also a good choice.

          Aren’t we meant to be looking for a DOF as well?

  13. New Regime
    New Regime February 12, 2015 at 9:02 pm . Reply

    Some really good shouts here. Prandelli is one I completely forgot about and would be fantastic!

    I come on here to look a lot and don’t post much, it’s refreshing to see everyone at least agreeing on something for once, experience is whats needed, high calibre and tactical nous above all and if Fox wants to make his mark and vision clear he surely has to go that route. A young unexperenced maanger who is ‘highly rated’ is not what is needed here.

    I feel like a proper Villa fan again after years of dross. Maybe we can all pick ourselves up and go again….to villa park

    1. Vvv88
      Vvv88 February 12, 2015 at 9:30 pm . Reply

      Yeah Prandelli would be great, can’t really see it happening though. Maybe we should give Fox an email!

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