[Archived] Official: Paul Lambert Appointed Blackburn Rovers Manager

[JHRover]

Every new manager needs a period of time to settle in and get people on his wavelength.

Dyche had half a season at Burnley when they were awful and many Clarets were calling for him to be sacked. The following season they were promoted.

Middlesbrough were poor when Karanka first took over, spent his first 6 months tightening the defence and building on that. The following season they got to the play-off final and now they are clear at the top.

Mick McCarthy took over a terrible Ipswich squad who were bottom of the league and in disarray, had a full 18 months rebuilding with a 9th placed finish in his first full season, before taking them to the play-offs last season and probably again this season.

Chris Hughton inherited a bang average Brighton side fighting relegation, they just about kept their heads above water last season, now he's got them flying.

Lambert will be judged when he has had time like all these had.

The main thing for me is to spend the next 5 months assessing our strengths and weaknesses, picking up sufficient wins to keep us clear of trouble, make some additions in January.

Get through to the summer. Organise a professional and intense pre-season regime to make us one of the fittest squads in the league. A proper training camp in the Alps, playing friendlies against quality opposition rather than Bury and Wigan. Get new signings more or less done early doors to give them as much time as possible, rather than last summer where we waited until the last minute to add players.

[tomphil]

Agree on the summer camp bit, even with this squad if he'd have got hold of them in summer things would have been different. Rovers haven't had a real summer training camp since Big Sam they just have a go through the motions holiday camp.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

I'm not interested in performances or style of play. I'd happily watch more of the same as we saw at Cardiff and Bolton if it was us on the right side of a narrow 1-0 win and not the wrong side. The only thing I am going to judge Lambert on is results.

Its like looking in a mirror!

If someone was able to define this good style of play and prove to me that it worked (as in, it helped you win games) then I might get on board with it. As it is it seems to forever be an unrealistic idealism in my opinion.

Play passing football but we'll groan loudly and angrily if you lose possession in a dangerous area.

Commit men to attacks but we'll complain about being wide open every game when we're regularly hit on the counter.

Take players on but again we'll groan angrily when you're tackled.

"Shoooooot" from all distances but we'll fling our arms in the air if it sails over the bar.

The good football mantra is an impossibly demanding idealism that rarely, if ever, works perfectly and that isn't supported when it goes wrong by fans anyway. The whole thing is pretty much nonsense in my opinion, if a style of play works better then use it, regardless of what it looks like aesthetically.

[booth]

Its like looking in a mirror!

If someone was able to define this good style of play and prove to me that it worked (as in, it helped you win games) then I might get on board with it. As it is it seems to forever be an unrealistic idealism in my opinion.

Play passing football but we'll groan loudly and angrily if you lose possession in a dangerous area.

Commit men to attacks but we'll complain about being wide open every game when we're regularly hit on the counter.

Take players on but again we'll groan angrily when you're tackled.

"Shoooooot" from all distances but we'll fling our arms in the air if it sails over the bar.

The good football mantra is an impossibly demanding idealism that rarely, if ever, works perfectly and that isn't supported when it goes wrong by fans anyway. The whole thing is pretty much nonsense in my opinion, if a style of play works better then use it, regardless of what it looks like aesthetically.

Let's face it the players haven't been playing a full match for about four years. This good football is a myth too. We've had a few spells under Bowyer (but can't ever remember a full match where we've performed well for the full 90) but I'm sure we will play games under Lambert where the football will be better.

[LDRover]

How I long for the days when old school managers put the whole team up for sale after a few gutless performances.

[Leonard Venkhater]

How I long for the days when old school managers put the whole team up for sale after a few gutless performances.

My Irish brother in law told me that they once played so badly in the first half for the school team that they all got the cane at half time...

So where were The Christian Brothers at Bolton?!

[bluefred]

How I long for the days when old school managers put the whole team up for sale after a few gutless performances.

The shower we have at ewood would have to be put on the dole then because we're sh1te

[Gav]

My Irish brother in law told me that they once played so badly in the first half for the school team that they all got the cane at half time...

So where were The Christian Brothers at Bolton?!

Just spat my brew out

[Stuart]

My only worry is that the players either do not like the bloke, his methods or both.

In my opinion, three years of the chum-ocracy under Gaz has created a weak, coddled bunch, who may just not warm to Lambert.

Fine, get rid of the buggers! Easier said then done on our budget. I really hope Lambert has been given free reign to rip up and start again, otherwise I don't see much hope with tis squad.

This is my worry too.

My other worry is the kind of manager we would get next if Venkys get the notion that their 'grow your own' policy was right all along.

In my view, we are in the last chance saloon under these fools, and if Lambert fails then that could be that.

[USABlue]

This is my worry too.

My other worry is the kind of manager we would get next if Venkys get the notion that their 'grow your own' policy was right all along.

In my view, we are in the last chance saloon under these fools, and if Lambert fails then that could be that.

Unusual Stuart, you and i on the same page with something. I had also posted that I felt Lambert must work out cos it is the last roll of the dice. Must say early days are not so awe inspiring.

[47er]

This is my worry too.

My other worry is the kind of manager we would get next if Venkys get the notion that their 'grow your own' policy was right all along.

In my view, we are in the last chance saloon under these fools, and if Lambert fails then that could be that.

To support that theory, is it coincidence that Venkys have made the right decision, for once, to appoint an experienced and more expensive team in the same season that the last of the relegation money from the Premier League runs out?

Is It "Last Chance Saloon" time with Venkys pulling out if we are not promoted? Which we won't be of course!

I have no ldea but it fits!

[Athlete]

This is my worry too.

My other worry is the kind of manager we would get next if Venkys get the notion that their 'grow your own' policy was right all along.

In my view, we are in the last chance saloon under these fools, and if Lambert fails then that could be that.

Call me sceptical but why do the very bare minimum to take us out of FFP as PL been suckered with the out of FFP promise

[yoda]

We came out of FFP without selling JR, which protects his value somewhat.

It's not over till the fat lady sings and she is very quiet at the moment.

PL to pull some rabbits out of the hat in the window

[4000Holes]

Unusual Stuart, you and i on the same page with something. I had also posted that I felt Lambert must work out cos it is the last roll of the dice. Must say early days are not so awe inspiring.[/quoted agree with all that is being said but give the guy a chance to sort it. Not had a transfer window to either buy or borrow or get rid of dead wood or trouble makers. In my view there may be trouble makers within the squad who need to be moved o. Usually the case, look at Chelsea? ]

[Stuart]

Call me sceptical but why do the very bare minimum to take us out of FFP as PL been suckered with the out of FFP promise

Why would they convert more shares than necessary to meet the magic FFP number? Makes sense from a business perspective. Hopefully they will back Lambert in the transfer market. Although he has said just loans, if he can get the right player at the right price. I'd be looking at Venkys to back him.

[patrickvalery]

Really like Lambert's comments in the LT about the Newport game and especially Lenihan. I hope he gets an opportunity because there is nobody in our midfield who has earned the right to play except maybe Akpan. Sounds to me like he's given him the chance to claim the shirt and maybe show some more senior pros how hungry they need to be. I'm not pinning my hope on the lad, but its nice to see Lambert making even our young talent realise that they have to take responsibility. If he grasps the nettle then I'm all for him having a run at league level. Putting better paid and more pampered senior players on the bench.

[Athlete]

Why would they convert more shares than necessary to meet the magic FFP number? Makes sense from a business perspective. Hopefully they will back Lambert in the transfer market. Although he has said just loans, if he can get the right player at the right price. I'd be looking at Venkys to back him.

Well they can't back him apart from loans without falling straight back into FFP

[G Somerset Rover]

Really like Lambert's comments in the LT about the Newport game and especially Lenihan. I hope he gets an opportunity because there is nobody in our midfield who has earned the right to play except maybe Akpan. Sounds to me like he's given him the chance to claim the shirt and maybe show some more senior pros how hungry they need to be. I'm not pinning my hope on the lad, but its nice to see Lambert making even our young talent realise that they have to take responsibility. If he grasps the nettle then I'm all for him having a run at league level. Putting better paid and more pampered senior players on the bench.

I remember reading JFH saying that the lad could go all the way as he has that much quality - and he must know a player when he sees one. I too would like to see him given his chance this weekend and preferably in his preferred position of CM. Let's be honest, not one of our other CM's has deserved the right to hold onto the shirt this season.

[onlyonejackwalker]

I have read with interest some of the mounting concern regarding Lambert and the playing performances he is getting from the squad. A number of long-standing fans have voiced their worries and as much to remind myself as anything else, I thought I would dig a bit deeper into their comments and evaluate more deeply the results gained to date under Lambert, when taken in context with Bowyer's 16 game start to this year.

Looking back through Bowyer's results there were some relatively good performances in tough looking games, Just not enough wins.

Under Bowyer

H: Wolves - 1-2 - Lost - 0 points - 1 scored and 2 conceeded

A: Huddersfield - 1-1 - Draw - 1 point - 2 scored and 3 conceeded

H: Cardiff - 1-1 - Draw - 2 points - 3 scored and 4 conceeded

A: Brighton - 0-1 - Lost - 2 points - 3 scored and 5 conceeded

H: Bolton - 0-0 - 3 points - 3 scored and 5 conceeded

A: Fulham - 1-2 - 3 points - 4 scored and 7 conceeded

A: QPR - 2-2 - 4 points - 6 scored and 9 conceeded

H: Charlton - 3-0 - 7 points - 9 scored and 9 conceeded

A: Hull - 1-1 - 8 points - 10 scored and 10 conceeded

H: Ipswich - 2-0 - 11 points - 12 scored and 10 conceeded

A: MKD - 0-3 - 11 points - 12 scored and 13 conceeded

H: Derby - 0-0 - 12 points - 12 scored and 13 conceeded

H: Burnley - 0-1 - 12 points - 12 scored and 14 conceeded

A: Leeds - 2-0 - 15 points - 14 scored and 14 conceeded

A: Birmingham - 0-0 - 16 points - 14 scored and 14 conceeded

H: Brentford - 1-1 - 17 points - 15 scored and 15 conceeded

16 matches = 17 points = 1.06 points per game

16 matches = 15 scored = 0.94 goals per game

16 matches = 15 conceeded = 0.94 goals per game

Bowyer Beheaded In Comes Lambert

A: PNE - 2-1 - 3 points - 2 scored and 1 conceeded

H: Sheff Wed - 2-2 - 4 points - 4 scored - 3 conceeded

A: Bristol City - 2-0 - 7 points - 6 scored - 3 conceeded

H: Rotherham - 1-0 - 10 points - 7 scored - 3 conceeded

H: Notts Forest - 0-0 - 11 points - 7 scored - 3 conceeded

A: Reading - 0-1 - 11 points - 7 scored - 4 conceeded

A: Bolton - 0-1 - 11 points - 7 scored - 5 conceeded

A: Cardiff - 0-1 - 11 points - 7 scored - 6 conceeded

8 matches = 11 points = 1.38 points per game

8 matches = 7 scored = 0.88 goals per game

8 matches = 6 conceeded = 0.75 goals per game

In summary, Lamberts team is scoring slightly less frequently than Bowyer's. And conceeding slightly less frequently. But the points per game tally has risen despite the last three defeats on the bounce.

Lambert has not benefitted from Jordan scoring. Which I think needs mentioning as I am sure he had hoped for much better.

Meanwhile, Bowyer had seemingly addressed the defensive issues this season which I amongst others had criticised him for a long time.

2013/2014 - Goals for 70 - Goals against 62.

Carlisle scored 3 against us in the League Cup and City 5 in the FA Cup.

It took Bowyer's team 8 matches to keep a clean sheet.

All of the following scored two or more against us that season.

Brighton 3 - Millwall 2 - Watford 3 - Doncaster 2 - Barnsley 2 - Leicester 2 - Wigan 2 - Blackpool 2 - Brighton 3 - Ipswich 2 - Millwall 2 - Birmingham 3 - Forest 4 - Barnsley 2 - Bolton 4 - Burnley 2 - Huddersfield 2 - Sheff Wednesday 3 - Birmingham 2 - Wigan 3.

2014 / 2015 - Goals For - 66 - Goals Against 59.

It took Bowyer 8 matches to keep a clean sheet.

League Cup - Scunthorpe - 0 - 1.

All of the following scored two or more against us that season.

Norwich 3 - Bournemouth 2 - Wolves 3 - Derby 3 - watford 2 - Rotherham 2 - Millwall 2 - Wednesday 2 - Brentford 3 - Bolton 2 - Derby 2 - Norwich 2 - Brentford 3 - Birmingham 2 - Forest 3 - Huddersfield 2 and Ipswich 2.

In summary, the problem both managers appear to be experiencing this season is the ability to score goals. Hardly suprising under Lambert with Rhodes on a go slow and perhaps with good reason for Bowyer as well with King, Gestede and Cairney all sold from under him pre-season. Pleasingly, we are much more focused defensively this season, few give us a good hiding and we are competitive against all we play.

We have always known that ultimately the responsibility for all issues lie with the owners. Time for them to fully support their choice of manager and give him some money to remove and replace underperforming free-loaders. The overall results have been satisfactory under Lambert and our three defeats have all come away from home, with narrow margin defeats. Hardly enough to get hysterical or to start worrying too much about going down. My hope is the fans continue to believe and support.

I remain optimistic and genuinely believe the only way is up. I am looking forward to next season already having written this one off after about 7 matches. The January window, plus a full pre-season and additional transfer window should see us in a far better position come the start of next season.

[Athlete]

Why would they convert more shares than necessary to meet the magic FFP number? Makes sense from a business perspective. Hopefully they will back Lambert in the transfer market. Although he has said just loans, if he can get the right player at the right price. I'd be looking at Venkys to back him.

Business sense and Venkys in the same sentence.... I spurt my coffee out reading that

As for backing.

Most managers get backed in the loan market

[Stuart]

Well they can't back him apart from loans without falling straight back into FFP

At which point they could...

Business sense and Venkys in the same sentence.... I spurt my coffee out reading that

As for backing.

Most managers get backed in the loan market

Took a long time! Were you waiting for it to cool down?

[Athlete]

At which point they could...

Took a long time! Were you waiting for it to cool down?

Ha ha Venky's business sense Rovers wise is a joke

[Stuart]

Ha ha Venky's business sense Rovers wise is a joke

I'm inclined to agree. However, something has clearly changed. Maybe after listening to duff advice they sent in their own man to have a proper ear to the ground and enable decisions based on facts rather than what they were told? Who knows.

[Athlete]

I'm inclined to agree. However, something has clearly changed. Maybe after listening to duff advice they sent in their own man to have a proper ear to the ground and enable decisions based on facts rather than what they were told? Who knows.

Exactly who knows and why after all this time very sceptical indeed especially with it being last season of parachute payments

[garnersfags]

I'm not interested in performances or style of play. I'd happily watch more of the same as we saw at Cardiff and Bolton if it was us on the right side of a narrow 1-0 win and not the wrong side. The only thing I am going to judge Lambert on is results.

This view seems to have some support on the MB but no team has ever been successful over a full season by not playing well.

Nobody (with any sense) is judging PL yet but it is reasonable to point out that when a new manager is appointed there are usually one or two players who immediately resond to the manager's personality or tactics and visibly up their game, or there is some small sign of what he is trying to achieve.

Neither has happened in this case, and it can be argued that every player appears to have regressed.

Some of us have commented that this is unusual, especially under a successful, experienced manager.

I agree with all the above comments about giving PL time to rebuild and I believe he will succeed but some of us will continue to comment on what we see week by week.