I think it's unfair, but inevitable that Chris hughton is going to be compared to Lambert. I think Paul Lambert is the greatest manager we've ever had, it's pretty obvious, and it's not something I'll shy away from However, I feel completely re-invigorated by the appointment of chris Hughton as our new manager. The main reason being that he is a completely new man over Lambert, it's a chance for a clean slate with all players and a real invigorated start to next season. Same drive, same direction, different aspect. Heres some difference that I feel will be key Media Friendliness - Lambert gives little away in the media, Chris seems to be a little more willing to speak to the press. I know thats Lamberts way and I never personally had a problem with it I know plenty of fans that got pissed off with it. Some fans just need to know their manager is there and hears them. Training pitch - Lambert was very hands off, left it all to his staff and turned up on match days. Thats how some managers do it, I think Harry Redknapp does this for example and isn't a reflection that they "care less" it's just how they operate. Chris Hughton gets very involved on the training pitch, running sessions and getting hands on with the players. this excites me as I think a lot of our players will relate and want to work for him. Dressing Room - Lambert could be your best friend or your worst enemy from what I've heard. He was full of banter with the squad but if you crossed him he'd blow up on you, good approach, not every player responds to it but most I'd say would, and most of ours did as they would work very hard for him. Hughton is a very measured, very calm guy. He has a sort of aura about him, he earns the players trust, he's passionate too but he doesn't let it get in the way. He's managed some big egos over at Newcastle and he keeps everything in house, very professional. don't expect any "water-bottle tantrums" from Hughton. Transfers - Lambert has raided the lower leagues with a lot of success over the years and he's brought in some fantastic players. Hughton has made some good signings too and he's not afraid to search abroad. Expect some different ideas in the squad over Lamberts players, although I'd expect a core of players to stay. Experience - Both have had careers at top clubs and both have won domestic and european honors. Lamberts rise has been from the very bottom but meteoric, Hughtons was "situational" of course but he more than proved himself and I think the key is his experience with players. Hughton has been a coach for a long time and he's worked with some top players, I'm very excited to see how he inspires and grows our players. I know thats not everything in management, and tactical abilities are important etc but I feel he has that as well. Anyway, the point i'm trying to make is Hughton is his own man and will put a new spin on an already good thing. OTBC ICHWT
That is a fantastic article and it's exactly what I'm talking about he wins friends fast, he gets involved and he earns peoples loyalty and respect. Can't wait for him to get started basically.
It's going to take me a while to get used to people calling him Chris. So far today every time I've thought who the f--- is Chris? Working out who Hughton is is slightly quicker but I'm still being taken back a bit.
From what I've heard Hughton is well respected and liked by people in the footballing world, I read an interview that his good at working crisis's, lifting morale and a lot of young players look up towards him. I think he'll have a plan who to bring in and remember this is the guy who brought Ben Arfa and Tiote to the Geordies so I'm sure he has a list and knows where to strengthen.
Terrrific article and can't wait until he starts at Colney. I really hope that Pilkington and E Bennett stay, as with his coaching (plus all of the other members of the coaching team) I'm sure they can develop beyond the first rate players that they were last season!!! Also hope that the nucleus of the players will realise that they can only progress their careers by staying at CR and not be taking carp advice from their agents!!! Looking forward to reading tomorrow's national press comments!!!
Excellent article Supers. Reinforces everything we've heard about CH. Nobody has a bad word to say about him. Bring on August
I just watched his interview and it was really refreshing to see our manager answering questions and being relaxed. No disrespect to PL but it was nice to see and it was so clear. He was happy to chat.
Leaving aside matters on the pitch which are a couple of months away, if you were looking for the perfect manager for Norwich City, club, fans, city, Norfolk, CH is the man. Our club does have an image and we try to maintain that. We have had our detractors and have slightly embarassed ourselves at times, but this has been handled so smoothly and correctly that I believe our stock has risen. If it goes half as well with transfers, contracts etc and on the playing field then I think next season could be free from grief.
