I'd agree we're back at around our 'natural level' (and what an astonishing achievement that is), but I think there really is the possibility of raising the bottom end of that scale. I think we are genuinely capable of being a solid mid-table side and if that becomes our base, the posibility of what we can achieve rises (though obviously still limited). Despite the success we've had these last few seasons, that mid-table establishment remains a long term goal and whether that can come fast enough for Lambert remains to be seen.
sorry kenny, never replied to you! i suppose when people say 'finish the job' they mean see out the 7 year plan to its conclusion. that doesn't mean stay 7 years as we are already ahead of schedule, but the aim at the end of the 7 year plan was to win a trophy - i think thats a feasible target and would be a great legacy to leave
I think they'll have a big part in his decision, their opinions are probably massive to Lambert. You say that Lambert had no ties with Norwich which is true but Culverhouse does and in a decent spell for our club to. If anyone realises the potential of the club Culverhouse is one of them so that may be a something to consider.
its not difficult to see why the players all love him and would run through a brick wall for him, is it?
I think that ultimately, if he stays or if he goes, our club is finally in trustworthy hands. Those that own the club are true supporters. Those that make the decisions understand the game. Those that hold the purse strings do so without greed or ego but with the clubs long term futrure in mind. The vast majority of clubs in this country would take that gratefully.
I would just like to add this about villa situation. Cast your mind back 6 or 7 years ago, there was a VERY BIG club in the premier league who's debts were mounting just like villa's. They were also relying on youth and inexperianced player's along with a few decent player's to try and keep them in the premier league which eventually failed, a situation that is likely for aston villa! And that is with or without Lambert. Who in there right mind would want to get involved with another situation like that, especially when currently employed by a club that at the end of the day are better off than villa! No logic what so ever...
Whether he'd be wise to go to Villa or not, they ARE a big club. Never out of the premier league since it's inception, many clubs would like to be able to say that.
I'm pretty sure any Villa fan would have said exactly the same thing about us after we got stuffed by Colchester less than three years ago. We were in a far, far bigger mess than they are, enter Paul Lambert and we know the rest.
AVFC From Wiki: Creators of League Football 1888 Number of Seasons as topflight club 102 Record Transfer Fee Paid £24 million Darren Bent to Sunderland European European Cup: Winners (1): 1982 European Super Cup: Winners (1): 1982â83 Intertoto Cup: Winners (1): 2001 Domestic League Football League First Division / Premier League:[A] Winners (7): 1894, 1896, 1897, 1899, 1900, 1910, 1981 Runners up (10): 1889, 1903, 1908, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1931, 1933, 1990, 1993 Cups FA Cup: Winners (7): 1887, 1895, 1897, 1905, 1913, 1920, 1957 Runners up (3): 1892, 1924, 2000 Football League Cup: Winners (5): 1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996 Runners up (3): 1963, 1971, 2010 It all depends whether Lerner's ready to sanction spending at Villa again. If he is I can't imagine many would turn down the opportunity of trying to reawaken Villa it's a huge challenge. Prior to Villa playing Sunderland at the tail end of this season Martin O'Neill was very complimentary about the club: âI am not returning with any trepidation. I had the privilege of managing one of the great clubs of English football, with a great tradition behind it. I was there for four years and the fourth year was a little bit sour, unfortunately. âIronically, it was the best year, having finished six points off the Champions League. "That said, I am part of the past now [for Villa] and hopefully part of Sunderlandâs future.â Eight home draws in O'Neill's final season kept Villa from finishing in the top four and the manager left amid rumours of rows over transfer funds. âYes, things were a little sour," he added. "Whatever comes (from the crowd) comes, I am not in any position to change peopleâs minds. âThere may be a clearing-up at some stage on the reasons for my departure but, having been gone for two years, Iâm not sure any explanations on the eve of this game is the right thing. âEverything is complicated. Aston Villa will rise again to be a great club." He'll be saying pretty much the same things to Lambert, I'm sure. If the money is there again it will be hugely tempting for whomever Villa approach.
I'm inclined to think he'd go to Villa if offered. He likes the big crowds and we just can't give him the buzz of 30+ thousand fans.
That is all irrelivent now Yes theyve won plenty of trophies etc but doesnt hide the fact the club is in decline! Bit like another club that like going on about the uefa cup they won before back in 10.000 bc or whenever it was. Also like to say that i have noticed that they have been a top flight club for over 100 years but football clubs have been around longer and have and will go out of business so that means just as little aswell...
I'm not sure that he would leave for Villa, as I'm pretty certain that he would have had a chat with 'the gaffer' before making any decision and I'm sure he would have been advised against making such a move. Yes, "He likes the big crowds and we just can't give him the buzz of 30+ thousand fans", but for the most part, NCFC fans are incredibly loyal (I know there have been a few 'boos' at the end of home matches), but overall, we're a very partisan crowd and cheer our team to the end!!! If I was putting a bet on, I certainly wouldn't put any money on him moving to Villa and would be more inclined to back him to stay at Carrow road for at least one more season.
sorry chaps, villa's history is an important factor. the fact they are miles off repeating those achievements is arguably less relevant than their history in this case. they are one of the great names in european football. however, that does not mean they are the club our manager sees his future at and i still keep coming back to o'neill, who despite what macca above says, had a torrid relationship at the end with lerner. that is the most vital thing of all
The things is, since our 1985 win in the League Cup I only count a couple of League Cups and the Intertoto Cup. Hardly breathtaking. But tbh, there's no doubt Villa are a bigger club historically and presently. I don't understand the money thing though- why would Lerner suddenly decide to spend a load of money when he was clearly trying to rein in spending? I thought the tightening the purse strings going on at Villa was in order to comply with the FFP rules coming in. It seems bizarre to suddenly reverse this policy. All clubs are going to have to be careful now. The bottom line is, MON was their most successful manager of recent times, helped by the fact that he burnt a LOT of money. Lerner clearly didn't like that and fell out with MON (isn't that why MON left Norwich?) I find it very hard to believe that Lerner will suddenly say, yes, go and spend tons.
Im not ignoring the fact that as you say they are giant of european football and do have a proud history BUT in todays world that means nothing in the position they are in. Look at leeds, former champions of england only 21 years ago, former european champions but now a mediocre championship side with colin in charge who are living only on there past which isnt even enough to keep hold of there life long fan and captain. Villa are heading the same way and all those titles and cups wont have any effect on that what so ever!!!
Leeds United were in debt to banks and had mortgaged future season ticket sales. Villa are in "debt" to Randy Lerner. No borrowings have been made on the club
But want to halve wages and bareely spend any money, just like leeds! He's hoping that lambert will turn up and turn his villa squad into team of superstars and its not going to happen, norwich (pl's project) has been in progress for 3 years now, it didnt happen over night. we arguably have a better squad and have momentum behind them, villa are depleted side who no doubt will sell bent and agbonlahor in the summer to cut wages more and have no momentum behind them what so ever. I could gaurentee, villa were in the bottom 3, 3 months into the season the fans would be on the back of lambert!
