What at different times seemed inevitable and unlikely has happened; Paul Lambert will be Aston Villa’s next manager. Rippers had stated he had been lined up even before the end of the season and comical scenes of both sets of supporters singing “There’s only one Paul Lambert” filled Carrow Road.
As has been stated repeatedly, this is not an appointment Villa can afford to get wrong. So far the praise has been almost universal. If next season goes as poorly as last season, nobody can print newspaper ads saying “We told you so.” The only negative I’ve seen is that he wears a track suit on the touchline.
His record at Norwich to this point indicates he is ready for the step up in class to Villa Park. His sides have played an infinitely more attractive brand of football than Villa’s recent vintage under Alex McLeish. He also made shrewd acquisitions, buying British talent in the Football League and seeing many of them more than hold their own in the Premier League.
It appears that the board have learned from recent mistakes, finally. I’m sure he was given assurances that he would be backed this summer before seeking permission to formally discuss the position, and ultimately quitting Norwich. It’s plain as day for anyone to see that this club needs it. His first challenge will be to show he can be equally as shrewd given more money to spend. Lambert will need to blend buying steady British players with players from abroad who have more upside to give the team that extra bit of quality. Appointing a Chief Scout will largely go unnoticed by most fans, but it could be one of Lambert’s most important moves.
That Lambert is seen as a stern figure who’s man-management style has been described as distant and almost authoritative is what this team needs. Last year they clearly didn’t respond to Alex McLeish’s “nice guy” approach. It’s all well and good to say nice things about the gaffer, but if the players don’t play for the manager there is no point.
The last year for us fans has been morose at best, and a nightmare at worst. Hopefully with a manager with a plan and vision Villa can reload and contend with the top clubs in the Premier League for honors again, instead of fighting for survival with the lesser lights. This really could be the beginning of something great.
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