[Archived] Official: Paul Lambert Appointed Blackburn Rovers Manager

[jim mk2]

The Sun article reads like a PR piece written by Lambert's agent and makes him out to be some sort of genius - which he isn't.

It also makes the point that his teams are known for dour football - so even if he signs better players Rovers fans will have to get used to the sort of fare dished up since he's been here.

There isn't going to be free flowing, passing football under Lambert, just a pragmatic style that hopefully brings more wins than losses.

In other words, rather like Sam Allardyce.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

Villa may historically be a big club, but they aren't run like one. There's a reason nobody with any worthwhile reputation goes near there these days.

Were they run any differently when O'Neill took them to 3 consecutive 6th placed finishes or Houllier finished 9th with them? They had the same chairman. Suppose they had better squads under O'Neill and Houllier but Lambert spent around £30m in his first summer there.

[JHRover]

If its true that Villa only spent 2 weeks in the bottom 3 whilst Lambert was manager over almost 3 years that is impressive. Whilst they were a bang average side under Lambert and were bad to watch its clear that getting rid of him hasn't done them any good and that this time next season and in years to come they might look back fondly at the Lambert years. A case of 'be careful what you wish for'.

[K-Hod]

The Sun article reads like a PR piece written by Lambert's agent and makes him out to be some sort of genius - which he isn't.

It also makes the point that his teams are known for dour football - so even if he signs better players Rovers fans will have to get used to the sort of fare dished up since he's been here.

There isn't going to be free flowing, passing football under Lambert, just a pragmatic style that hopefully brings more wins than losses.

In other words, rather like Sam Allardyce.

Think he said in his first press conference he was aiming for attacking football, like when he was at Norwich, the link will be kicking about somewhere....

[DE.]

Were they run any differently when O'Neill took them to 3 consecutive 6th placed finishes or Houllier finished 9th with them?

I would so say so. The quality of signings has decreased markedly since Lerner first arrived, as have the fees and wages handed out. Let's face it, £30m is increasingly becoming the average clubs are required to spend just to stay in the division. Houllier still had a decent squad to work with, but since he left the squad has continued to weaken, leaving each new manager with an increasingly difficult task. This has obviously been recognised, as the quality of manager for Villa has gone quickly downward: O'Neill, Houllier, Mcleish, Lambert, Sherwood, Garde. There's a pattern there and it isn't a positive one. Until Lerner either decides to back the club again or sell it, Villa will continue to spiral downwards and eventually be on the same level as self proclaimed "BIG CLUB" Birmingham.

[den]

Rev has already responded to this very adequately but to add.

Rhodes is probably the cherry on top of a decent attacking midfield. Plenty of teams have better midfield than us but not many have a better striker. That's why they want Rhodes.

In recent times he has had to make his own chances and, yes, at times, win games by himself. The thing is though, do we have to sell him to buy better midfielders or can we keep him and loan them? Strikers are always the most expensive players in a team. The reason for that is goals win games. Rhodes has done his job - consistently - for the last three years and before. Our various midfielders haven't really done theirs. Let's get one or two decent (PL quality) midfielders on loan and see what happens between now and the end of May.

I genuinely don't see the point in looking to sell him. A stupid offer we can't refuse is one thing, to actively be wanting to offload him is folly.

So many things to disagree with Stuart.

Two lads up top with pace and strength and who could actually play a bit of football on the ground would see us a far better team IMO. Have you actually watched his performances Stuart? In the main abysmal I would say. Were the midfielders to blame for his poor showing against Forest? Were they heck. What about Preston - were the midfielders to blame for him being totally invisible? No. Did it matter that he was useless? Of course it did. It always matters when the supposedly sharp end of the knife is blunt. Don't you agree, or does a goal every now and again override his poor technique and work rate for you? We could fiddle with the midfield all we wanted, but while the lads up front contribute nothing but a goal every three games or so, we'll get nowhere. For the midfielders to get in the game more, the guy up top actually getting hold of the ball now and again would help immensely. He doesn't do it and someone has to do it. If he (or anyone else) plays up top and can't contribute effectively during the 90 mins, the team suffers. Any manager will tell you that and it's been happening for a long time now.

As for selling him - that depends on funds. If there are funds available I would sell Delf and Brown but keep hold of Rhodes. We need at least three decent strikers at the club. Tell you what though, if we could keep Rhodes and add two quality "footballers" up front, Rhodes would find himself benched quite often.

Anyway, Christmas is coming, so a genuine merry Xmas to you.

[K-Hod]

This Rhodes debate is going around in circles. The simple fact is, whilst it would help if Rhodes was more effective, it would also help if everyone else was more effective in front of goal, so we don't have such barren runs when he doesn't score. Who else chips in with goals regularly? Not just under Lambert, whilst Rhodes has been here, there was pretty much only Gestede last season and the season before that scored. We need to get more goals out of the rest of the team as well. (Or get everyone else forward into positions where they can score). When was the last time someone scored from outside the box? I genuinely can't remember. (Maybe Corry Evans vs Bolton?)

To summarise, whilst Rhodes needs to do more, so does everyone else. I just think above all it's unfair to single out Rhodes for criticism. The goalscoring needs to be shared out amongst many different players in the squad so we're not so reliant on one player. As (I think it was) you said, promotion winning teams don't rely on just one player to score, you're right, they had a few players throughout the squad chipping in. I can't honestly remember a team being so reliant on one player for goals in so long!

[JHRover]

Despite two quiet spells Rhodes has bagged 9 goals this season, which is one of the highest in the league.

The other 'strikers' that we have in Delfouneso, Brown and Koita have scored 1 between them.

I know where our problem is and it isn't Jordan Rhodes.

[Amo]

If there are funds available I would sell Delf and Brown

No, you really, really wouldn't.

[Mike E]

I think the kind of football Lambert will aim for us what he delivered at Norwich. Comparable in style to current Watford style or perhaps even Rovers under Hughes. Fast, direct, in your face.

Hopefully, anyway.

[Stuart]

So many things to disagree with Stuart.

Two lads up top with pace and strength and who could actually play a bit of football on the ground would see us a far better team IMO. Have you actually watched his performances Stuart? In the main abysmal I would say. Were the midfielders to blame for his poor showing against Forest? Were they heck. What about Preston - were the midfielders to blame for him being totally invisible? No. Did it matter that he was useless? Of course it did. It always matters when the supposedly sharp end of the knife is blunt. Don't you agree, or does a goal every now and again override his poor technique and work rate for you? We could fiddle with the midfield all we wanted, but while the lads up front contribute nothing but a goal every three games or so, we'll get nowhere. For the midfielders to get in the game more, the guy up top actually getting hold of the ball now and again would help immensely. He doesn't do it and someone has to do it. If he (or anyone else) plays up top and can't contribute effectively during the 90 mins, the team suffers. Any manager will tell you that and it's been happening for a long time now.

As for selling him - that depends on funds. If there are funds available I would sell Delf and Brown but keep hold of Rhodes. We need at least three decent strikers at the club. Tell you what though, if we could keep Rhodes and add two quality "footballers" up front, Rhodes would find himself benched quite often.

Anyway, Christmas is coming, so a genuine merry Xmas to you.

This argument is become clichéd now, den. I can't understand whom people are comparing him to?

Option 1 - the complete striker who scores 25 goals himself every season AND creates chance after chance for the attacking midfielders and strike partners (ignoring for a second the fact that we have neither). Well I'll tell you now, that striker isn't going to be at Rovers any time soon, he'll be plying his trade in the PL, maybe even Champions League.

Option 2 - a hard working forward who tirelessly and fruitlessly works the channels, holding the ball up and creating chances for... a proven goalscorer?! Surely the key is getting him a hardworking strike partner to work with (who can chip in with a few goals of his own) rather than replacing him with one?

In my view, Rhodes created a £6m striker out of a bog standard player in Gestede by creating the space for him to exploit, usually occupying two defenders - or at least giving them something to think about. We simply don't have another Gestede in the ranks but just look at how his is(n't) getting on in the PL as evidence of his weaknesses.

But like I said, this odd debate rages every time Rhodes has a lean spell.

All the best to you and yours, den.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I agree with Den on this. You can't expect the midfield to score more goals unless they're getting the ball back off our strikers in and around the penalty area. If the strikers, whoever they are, can't hold the ball long enough for the midfield to get forward you get exactly what we're getting now. A goal drought. Especially when our midfield is so pedestrian.

[Tom]

Despite two quiet spells Rhodes has bagged 9 goals this season, which is one of the highest in the league.

The other 'strikers' that we have in Delfouneso, Brown and Koita have scored 1 between them.

I know where our problem is and it isn't Jordan Rhodes.

Yet in the last 2 home games at least Rhodes has been a large part of the problem, lazy and disinterested.

He's due a run (in every sense of the word)

[Stuart]

I agree with Den on this. You can't expect the midfield to score more goals unless they're getting the ball back off our strikers in and around the penalty area. If the strikers, whoever they are, can't hold the ball long enough for the midfield to get forward you get exactly what we're getting now. A goal drought. Especially when our midfield is so pedestrian.

Ironically our points have come from midfielders scoring goals.

[tonyoz]

Christmas Trivia

Like most folks, I have been disappointed with Jordan’s form in recent games. Some things to think about:

According to the stats wizards at whoscored.com, Duffy (7.52) is rated no.2 player in the entire division!

In the Rovers side, Hanley (7.41) and Conway (7.27) come next in the pecking order – which seems about right. Then there is a big drop to our 4^th best rated player……6.84……..guess who?

Jordan Rhodes, hard to believe huh? The rest of our players must really be crap!! You can view their detailed analysis here:

http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/158

Now if you are looking for a guy like this:

This argument is become clichéd now, den. I can't understand whom people are comparing him to?

Option 1 - the complete striker who scores 25 goals himself every season AND creates chance after chance for the attacking midfielders and strike partners (ignoring for a second the fact that we have neither). Well I'll tell you now, that striker isn't going to be at Rovers any time soon, he'll be plying his trade in the PL, maybe even Champions League.

Option 2 - a hard working forward who tirelessly and fruitlessly works the channels, holding the ball up and creating chances for... a proven goalscorer?! Surely the key is getting him a hardworking strike partner to work with (who can chip in with a few goals of his own) rather than replacing him with one?

Simply go for the no.1 rated player (7.64) in the league. He has scored more goals than Jordan, has more assists than anyone in the league and has been Man of the Match more times (6) than anyone else. He should help us get to the Premier League surely?

His name is Alan Judge ….damn it!

[AllRoverAsia]

Christmas Trivia

Like most folks, I have been disappointed with Jordan’s form in recent games. Some things to think about:

According to the stats wizards at whoscored.com, Duffy (7.52) is rated no.2 player in the entire division!

In the Rovers side, Hanley (7.41) and Conway (7.27) come next in the pecking order – which seems about right. Then there is a big drop to our 4^th best rated player……6.84……..guess who?

Jordan Rhodes, hard to believe huh? The rest of our players must really be crap!! You can view their detailed analysis here:

http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/158

Now if you are looking for a guy like this:

Simply go for the no.1 rated player (7.64) in the league. He has scored more goals than Jordan, has more assists than anyone in the league and has been Man of the Match more times (6) than anyone else. He should help us get to the Premier League surely?

His name is Alan Judge ….damn it!

Interesting read.

Jordan Rhodes - Aye this lads got the uncany habit of ending a Season as top scorer often with as many goals as the rest of the side put together. Lazy sod.

Duffy - there is hope for me yet.

Judge - we developed him, got rid, re-enaged and got rid again. Good eye for a player down Brockhall way...previously I mean

Merry Crimbo to everyone and may your hangovers be legendary.

[Stuart]

Simply go for the no.1 rated player (7.64) in the league. He has scored more goals than Jordan, has more assists than anyone in the league and has been Man of the Match more times (6) than anyone else. He should help us get to the Premier League surely?

His name is Alan Judge .damn it!

A goalscoring, attacking midfielder is exactly what we need but I'd keep Rhodes as our striker. We just did not have the system or encouragement to make use of one. It could have been Judge, Cairney, Tunnicliffe, even Dunn wasn't considered for 30 minutes.

The tools that Bowyer had at his disposal, and wasted, make you weep.

[deryck guyler's spoon]

The tools that Bowyer had at his disposal, and wasted, make you weep.

Those that have reason to "weep" are the supporters of our erstwhile Premier League compatriots Wigan and Blackpool. If only they had been lucky enough to have a Bowyer.

If you are going to keep chucking in throwaway comments such as the above then the Bowyer debate will rumble on, much to the frustration of many no doubt.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Ironically our points have come from midfielders scoring goals.

Not from open play though. They've been in the main from set pieces.

[philipl]

Those that have reason to "weep" are the supporters of our erstwhile Premier League compatriots Wigan and Blackpool. If only they had been lucky enough to have a Bowyer.

If you are going to keep chucking in throwaway comments such as the above then the Bowyer debate will rumble on, much to the frustration of many no doubt.

Nit picking I know, but immediately pre- Venky's we had finished top 10 in the PL 4 seasons out of the previous 5. That is a long way above Wigan and Blackpool's attainment.

Statistically, if we hadn't improved on our points gathering rate at the date Bowyer was fired, in most seasons we would be joining the downward journey at the end of 15/16.

[Stuart]

Those that have reason to "weep" are the supporters of our erstwhile Premier League compatriots Wigan and Blackpool. If only they had been lucky enough to have a Bowyer.

If you are going to keep chucking in throwaway comments such as the above then the Bowyer debate will rumble on, much to the frustration of many no doubt.

Please PLEASE don't try to defend the overlooking and eventual disposal of all of our creative players. Yes, we may have avoided relegation (although Rhodes goals had as much of a say as, if not more than, Bowyer) that should not have been the target with the players we had.

Promotion is still what this club needs to avoid becoming the next Wigan or Bolton. Let's not pretend otherwise. That could have been achieved a couple of years ago, once the boardroom split had disappeared. Personally I think that without the interference Berg would have done as well as Bowyer.

Not from open play though. They've been in the main from set pieces.

Fair comment.

[tomphil]

I think in the case of Berg he was just brought in as a figurehead, a name to try and re engage the fan base with club a bit. Yes the form became awful under him but remember the first few games we played better than we'd done for months. The results didn't come though as we all know now the team just wasn't really good enough particularly back then, the rot ran right through the gaff and into the team.

If rumours are to be believed Berg took training but wasn't allowed to do much else really he was just a puppet having to work with what he had whilst being unable to influence anything else. Unfair to really judge against Bowyers time although it was too risky to carry on with him the way it was so they made the right call to sack if they weren't going to back him.

[deryck guyler's spoon]

Please PLEASE don't try to defend the overlooking and eventual disposal of all of our creative players. Yes, we may have avoided relegation (although Rhodes goals had as much of a say as, if not more than, Bowyer) that should not have been the target with the players we had.

*sigh*

Round and round we go.

There are even Bowyer sceptics who concede that he had a good 18 months which was just what the club needed at the time and there are others who, for whatever reason, cannot accept that.

During that good 18 months other clubs were swirling down the plug hole but don't credit Bowyer for preventing our club suffering the same fate. Oh no, he was on the take don't you know? Sucking up to Mrs D, only interested in emphasising the percent profit on transfers.

Please PLEASE, tell me who these creative players are that you suggest that were 'disposed of' during Bowyer's reign. Rochina? Cairney? Are you prepared to acknowledge who brought in our most creative player?

[ABBEY]

Interesting read.

Jordan Rhodes - Aye this lads got the uncany habit of ending a Season as top scorer often with as many goals as the rest of the side put together. Lazy sod.

Duffy - there is hope for me yet.

Judge - we developed him, got rid, re-enaged and got rid again. Good eye for a player down Brockhall way...previously I mean

Merry Crimbo to everyone and may your hangovers be legendary.

did you know the haters dont hate !

[JAL]

Christmas Trivia

Like most folks, I have been disappointed with Jordans form in recent games. Some things to think about:

According to the stats wizards at whoscored.com, Duffy (7.52) is rated no.2 player in the entire division!

In the Rovers side, Hanley (7.41) and Conway (7.27) come next in the pecking order which seems about right. Then there is a big drop to our 4^th best rated player6.84..guess who?

Jordan Rhodes, hard to believe huh? The rest of our players must really be crap!! You can view their detailed analysis here:

http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/158

Now if you are looking for a guy like this:

Simply go for the no.1 rated player (7.64) in the league. He has scored more goals than Jordan, has more assists than anyone in the league and has been Man of the Match more times (6) than anyone else. He should help us get to the Premier League surely?

His name is Alan Judge .damn it!

How on earth can Shane Duffy be rated 2nd in the whole division when he's not even 2nd in the Blackburn Rovers side. Strongly suspect this is agency connected data manipulating football for the poor football fan to digest.

Beware guys and gals of what you read these days.