There's one other thing with Villa that's worth remembering, Martinez turned them down to stay at Wigan. Now I don't doubt that loyalty and affinity to Wigan played a large part in that, but he must also have felt Villa was not a good move to make. As many of us have said before, Villa have a proud history and huge potential, but it also says something for them that the last appointment was someone who'd just been relegated. That would suggest people weren't banging down the door to apply.
Leeds aren't former European Champions! They've only won five major honours in their history to boot. Villa are a different kettle of fish. Their history goes right back to actually being the club that gave the world league football (their then Chairman, William McGregor, created the world's first football league in 1888). They are the only "old" club (founder member of the original league) of English football to have been Champions of Europe. The heir to the British throne, the British Prime Minister and the Governor of the Bank of England are all supporters of the club, they hold a unique position as the the original major football club of England. Villa were the most trophied club in England for an unbroken spell of seven decades (1905-1978). Unlike the "new" clubs that rose on from the 1950's/60's onwards Villa have never relied on media backing or buying success. They're a huge, genuinely historic club with a unique place in the history of the game. They are the major club of the UK's second largest city... If Lerner is serious, once more, about investing in success (not "buying success" like either Manchester club, Chelsea etc.) then many managers would be tempted by the challenge of re-establishing Villa to the top of the game.
Martinez turned down the chance of an interview for the Villa position because he had promised his chairman he would honour his contract and show him loyalty. I think he also knew that randy Lerner was trimming the squad and the wage bill! Either way, it was the smart decision. Things might be very different now though as Villa have gotten rid of most of the high wage earners. The green light might be back on to invest.
good post, totally agree. lerner has no intention of repeating the o'neill era where he pumped cash in. lambert is not a magician - just cos he did what he did for norwich does not mean he'd be able to do the same at villa. its taken numerous factors to achieve what he has here and one of them is relative expectations we had when he first arrived. he wouldn't get any leeway at all at villa. had it been villa from three years ago coming in for lambert now, i'd have no doubts that it would be a great move for him and he'd go, but as it stands, none of this quite adds up and that is why i think the majority of norwich fans believe this is the wrong club for lambert at this stage of his career.
none of the stuff in bold is in any way relavant. its all about what they are going to do, not what they did 100 years ago
I actually disagree here mate, I'd say Lambert pretty much did turn things around overnight - we couldn't have physically got to where we are any quicker than we did. Think you're also being presumptuous in saying they will "no doubt sell Bent and Agbonlahor in the summer", can't see that happening personally and if that truly is the case then there is no way Lambert would be interested. And I'd also say that if Lambert was in charge of their squad there is no way they would be anywhere near the bottom three
as i said before i think some are over estimating how good villa are and how little they have funds-wise. i heard someone on the radio mention that he expects villa to sell before they can buy this summer with bent being the likely fall guy - not sure if thats true or not but it does seem possible with all the cost cutting been going on. i believe they have got the wage level down considerably but they aren't about to jack it right back up again - they will be wheeling and dealing, exactly what lambert is doing at norwich. now you could argue he'd have a better chance of luring players to villa than norwich and you'd probably be right, but is it really worth the risk for all that?
Any idea how reliable this guy is, Supers? I just started following him this morning. Lots to say, but not sure how reliable. Football Mole ‏ @Football_Mole My sources are 100%. There is zero chance of Paul Lambert becoming next Aston Villa manager #AVFC #villa #Norwich #ncfc
i wouldn't trust that source at all. doesn't mean they don't know but i doubt they have any confirmation whatsoever lambert's odds have steadied while the big mover is simon grayson. martinez has dipped and so has mccarthy (not that that one was very likely). lambert is still a clear favourite - its all down to whether he wants it in my opinion. if he does, he'll be their new manager. if not, then its anyones guess!
Supers, I seem to remember that you was lauding up Stan Collymore as the best pundit around when he was talking about a certain norwich number 9 for England. I wonder what you make of his view on Lambert? http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/..._man_for_aston_villa_stan_collymore_1_1378873 Mind you after todays developments, i guess that Lambert won't be going to Villa if Stan keeps his record up!
As an ex Villa player, he clearly wants what is best for his former club - and Lambert is currently one of the best. I can't see why that is so hard to grasp?
well i stand by what i said - collymore knows what he's talking about. why would i suddenly change my view of that simply because he wants his own club to take our manager? if anything, it highlights that he knows what he's talking about because lambert is the perfect choice for villa. you really are a dimwit.
Hi bors, I must admit at first I found PL's reply to the question: will you be at Norwich next season a bit disappointing. But on reflection I have to say I found his honesty refreshing as he was treating all connected with City: board, fans, and players with the respect of saying exactly what is the truth. No gilding the lily from PL ! If you fans were asked the same question, how many could answer truthfully what they will be doing tomorrow, never mind next season ? Only person that comes to my mind is that ignoramus from Colchester who thinks what he believes is pure, undiluted FACT; no, the future is and always will be a mystery. PL gave a truthful answer. Not one we wanted to hear but the truth nevertheless. It is the nature of our manager that he tells it as it is, not as he thinks it should be and that is one of the reasons our players move heaven and earth to perform for him. Thank you PL for your honesty. You have been a brilliant servant to our club and when the time comes you think it is time to move on, then I hope every City fan will join with me in wishing you success in your new venture.
Finally a yellow beak speaking some semblance of sense on here! Lambert is a man in a hurry with massive amounts of ambition and very little sentiment, thatâs why heâll jump at the Villa job without a second thought - for itâs one that can enhance his reputation more than staying at little old Norwich.
Mikey, in all my 50 YEARS I have never, ever come across anyone who is sooo bitter as you. FFS it just beggars belief ! What your tiny little brain doesn't understand is that IF and WHEN Lambert moves on, 99.9% of City fans will thank him from the bottom of their hearts for what he has done for our beloved club. There is only ONE constant in football and that is the fans. True fans never change their alliegience, they support THEIR club until they draw their last breath. Players, Managers and even Owners move on and are replaced. As you would say ................................. FACT !
