After only two games and zero points, the search for a scapegoat is already in full effect. Since Paul Lambert is still beyond reproach for most, the scapegoat must be Randy Lerner. After all, he’s the only point of continuity the last few years.
And he signed the checks Martin O’Neill assured him were necessary.
The current idea is that he’s not backing the new manager he hired. Supposedly. That maybe he made promises he’s already reneging on.
Which really makes no sense. But there you have it. And if it isn’t Lerner, then it’s Lambert who must go, if the panicking support are any indication.
Madness, pure and simple.
It’s very easy to spend someone else’s money. It’s very easy to ignore the context within which business decisions are made—and make no mistake, football is a business. It’s so very easy to ignore that the Everton side who look so assured on Saturday have been 10 years in the making.
What did Lambert start with? And how long has he been here?
So back to Randy and the idea that he’s not backing Lambert. Never mind the idea that Lerner is responsible for the depths to which we’ve sunk.
The fact is, some transfers are easy, and some are hard. The deals can fall apart at any minute. It’s not like shopping. You can have a wonderful list, and find that the prices and terms are not quite so simple as “£14.95 on Amazon. Buy now.”
Prices, and players’ demands, are infinitely variable.
Lerner is seemingly willing to fund at least four more players, even if that means Hutton, Warnock and/or Dunne are paid to sit on the bench, or train with the reserves.
In addition to Bret Holman, Karim El Ahmadi, Ron Vlaar, and Matthew Lowton, Lerner is willing to bring in four new faces for a total of eight. Which is about as much of a makeover as any team could reasonably expect to undertake.
Lambert has obviously been frustrated by various demands. Yet, Lerner is still backing him. Lambert’s just trying to get the right players for the right money, and nothing suggests he’s being hamstrung. If deals aren’t happening, it’s because Lambert remains unconvinced amidst all the game-playing.
Nothing is set in stone. But Villa are actively looking to bring in reinforcements.
Tranmere Rovers
I’d be lying if I said I knew much about Rovers. But it doesn’t matter. The big question is what side Lambert fields. With a midweek cup-tie sandwiched between Everton and Newcastle, does he give the starting line-up an outing they could use? Or does he rest some players?
So, what’s your lineup for tonight?
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