[Archived] Official: Paul Lambert Appointed Blackburn Rovers Manager

[Mike E]

Either this post as been missed or I have hit a few nerves with some who lambast individuals without any reason and their silence speaks volumes.

God knows what I've done! I am meant to be quoting the post two above.

Re: Shaw, speaks for itself that a rogue MD (as admitted under oath in court) spends one morning or afternoon per week at work, don't you think?

[tonygreenbank]

Welcome Paul aand your backroom staff to the famous Blackburn Rovers and I wish you well.

The expectations on you are huge possibly not seen since King Kenny was appointed.

[Tallrover]

Seriously Mike? An MD working for his employer 5 hours per week? Quite a lot of 'truths' have been twisted over time and from people with an agenda.

[S60tti_BRFC]

Not stopped smiling all night! How I've missed this feeling... finally a bit of sense and direction. Days like today (all one of them under Venkys) really do make the dark times more manageable - long may the good decisions continue. Come On Rovers!

[Leonard Venkhater]

To be honest this thread should be full of happy posts from all Rovers fans that contribute on this MB. However, the silence has been deafening from some of the more forthright Bowyer supporters.

Be happy. No need to be divisive.

I might have disagreed with those, who backed Bowyer to the end, but I never doubted their loyalty or regard for the club.

Today of all days, fellow supporters are not to blame for so many cheap decisions and so much avoidance of responsibility. Today, it has come good. Why now, I don't know, but finally. a decision that I am right behind...

[tomphil]

Today nobody cares about Derek Shaw.

[den]

Re: Shaw, speaks for itself that a rogue MD (as admitted under oath in court) spends one morning or afternoon per week at work, don't you think?

I believe that Shaw said at the q and a that he didn't attend the court case because he thought the club were wrong in pursuing it and that they had no chance of winning it.

Today nobody cares about Derek Shaw.

Correct.

[Tom]

Hope we can all be a little patient now.

Sure promotion this season is possible but I think most of us would accept a season of transition and building for a push next season.

Not bad timing really given that the manager has a fair few games to weigh things up before January.

[Tallrover]

Time for bed. A great day. Been a supporter since 1970, is it been that long?!

Feels good to be a proper club again with a proper management in place. Definitely a top ten for pivotal days in my 45 association with this club.

45 year...

[LDRover]

Be happy. No need to be divisive.

I might have disagreed with those, who backed Bowyer to the end, but I never doubted their loyalty or regard for the club.

Today of all days, fellow supporters are not to blame for so many cheap decisions and so much avoidance of responsibility. Today, it has come good. Why now, I don't know, but finally. a decision that I am right behind...

Happy? I'm ecstatic Leonard. Hardly being divisive, in fact quite the opposite. I'd like to think the appointment has brought all 'factions' of Rovers fans together - God knows there were enough inferences that Bowyer detractors weren't 'true' Rovers supporters.

[wolfie]

Either this post as been missed or I have hit a few nerves with some who lambast individuals without any reason and their silence speaks volumes.

God knows what I've done! I am meant to be quoting the post two above.

Or three above... I'll get there eventually.

http://www.brfcc.com/mb/index.php/topic/30409-shaw-out/

Probably the wrong thread and not really an appropriate time to talk about it,...

[BlueMonday]

With any luck Lambo will get the measure of Shaw and bypass him. He will likely advise Venkys on what is a sound Club structure should look like.

Not having an M.D. that sounds like he's been inhaling Helium would probably rate highly.

[blueboy3333]

I'm not expecting too much results wise too soon. I'll be looking for a change in the attitude of the players pretty soon though. Taking defeat as just another bad day at the office will no longer suffice.

I hope Lambert doesn't have that attitude. We could have won quite a few more games this season with a bit more luck and composed finishing. Results are what we need and quickly. Thats why Bowyer was sacked and that's why Lambert was brought in.

[Mike E]

Whether we go up or not, Lambert should go in with a mentality of:

'Right lads, enough of being happy with draws now. I'm taking this club back up where it should be, who's joining me?'

[SoldierMo]

COYB.....delighted with this appointment for the first time in years i feel we are moving in the right direction!!! So was this all the advisers doing? Can you confirm more info on this Kamy??

[bigbrandjohn]

Doubly great news. Sherwood turned us down and Lambert accepted. All turned out rather nicely.

[USABlue]

Been following quietly since Bowyer was canned. The Sherwood stuff? Don't believe a word of it. Just does not fit with what's happened here.

Apology to Nicko he actually was on the ball with this one.

Very happy with this appointment, cautiously optimistic. I am sure this will be another case of someone rebuilding their image at the expense of BRFC. If it means success for the club then great.

What has floored me is that it seems Venky's had a plan, put the plan in motion and succeeded even with competition from others.

Not surprisingly the press have been quick to have a pop (The unnamed agaent anyone?) I expect a quick improvement on results, thanks to GB for all he has done but I think this appointment will show that even us fans did not fully grasp just how much Bowyer was holding us back.

Will be interesting to see the player reactions, some of them are in for a shock I'm sure. What now for JLowe? Will he be fancied by Lambert? Sure he'll be off to where ever GB traps next.

Thanks GB good luck to you in the future, a little more testicular fortitude here might have seen you succeed. I was starting to look like you might have turned a corner even though results did not follow. Than inexplicably you put your balls back in your purse and it's back to same ol Bowyer.

Exciting times ahead, let's start with a win at Preston Both Ends. COYB.

[Roverthechimp]

Results are important long term - short term this is the breaking of a pattern and that makes me ecstatic.

That shaw is MD and we sacked our 4th underperforming manager and brought in experienced manager/coaches could also suggest that he was not the problem... (but he does look and sound like a spiv)

[Iceman]

We can do better than Lambert.

On a serious note, not expecting promotion this season.

Proper building period this, but if we make the playoffs or get close I'll be very happy.

One thing I'm keen to Watch, is substitutions and when Lambert will make them. If the players are doing crap will he change them immediately? or wait for the 99th min to make his 1st change

I think this is about right. All Bowyer really knew was youth and reserve team coaching, which is very different to first team management. Clearly some of that translated well, but when we really needed to push on we never could, and that's where Gary's limitations came in. I don't think he knew how to toughen up his approach, or if he believed that was even necessary. I wouldn't have expected him to lambast the players in public, but I get the feeling he never did it in private either. I'd guess the players wanted to do well for him, because most of them liked him as a person, but they never had the extra motivation to go out and deliver above and beyond expectations. They were satisfied with doing enough to get by, and Bowyer seemed happy to accept that.

But apart from a few pre season games, he didn't really believe much in those very same youth he brought through the ranks. That to me was a strange one

[roverredrose]

I don't post too often but do read regularly as there are some decent debates and info on here Aswel as some funny sarcasm. Anyway, just like to echo most supporters rejoice in the appointment of Paul lambert,Alan Irvine and Rob Kelly. I have long been an admirer of Mr lambert and have many of time sounded out as my number 1 target when this job had become available. I'm really surprised the owners have pulled this off. Whilst remaining cautious as there are more guarantees in football, what I do know is we have a very intelligent football minded gaffer who is eager to keep learning all the time and keep evolving. Since he was dismissed in February he hasn't been playing golf or touting himself by punditing all over the media instead he's been traveling Europe guesting training sessions at all the big clubs. The man's a winner just hope it all goes well and we don't expect miracles and the players respond positively to what is going to be quite a culture shock I imagine in the coming weeks.

[Iceman]

Could be a sbock to the system tomorrow morning for the playersat training compared to what life was like under Bowyer.

As long as Lamberty,and Irviney, don't call any players Marshy, Jordy, Browny etc I've had enough of players being called that. [emoji38]

[matt83]

Either this post as been missed or I have hit a few nerves with some who lambast individuals without any reason and their silence speaks volumes.

God knows what I've done! I am meant to be quoting the post two above.

Or three above... I'll get there eventually.

To post several times on a tread dedicated to lambert (best thing to happen in 5 years) enquiring about shelfie is blatantly a wind up. But if you genuinely don't know why people don't like Shaw I assume you've been under one of Bowyers rocks. Can't find the thing I was actually looking for but:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/henning-berg-case-blackburn-admit-being-out-of-control-and-incompetent-8590707.html

When the clubs own lawyers use words like renegade, out of control, acting with self interest, to describe shaws handling of berg.

Then this was posted on here:

"I thought I would send yourself and the owners a summary of the Judges verdict on our application to remove the admission of liability to pay Henning Berg a salary calculation over 2 1/2 years.

You will recall Derek Shaw and Brabners admitted liability for this sum without informing the owners. This can be evidenced by Derek Shaws conversation with Brabners which is on the file where it states she will not like this but will have to do it and ease it into her.

Our Application on 16th April 2013 was to attempt to remove / withdraw the admission of liability and go to a trial to hear this matter in full.

You will be aware from my previous notes that upon investigating this matter further and going through the witness statement with Derek Shaw that I did have deep reservations about this matter going to full trial as a result of feeling that Derek Shaw would not make a reliable witness as he seemed to be unsure of key events.

In short, the Judge today has dismissed our Application to withdraw the admission. As such, the admission by Derek Shaw and Brabners will stand and a further sum of monies (approximately £50k) will have to be paid to Henning Berg on to of the monies already paid.

The Judge found that:

1) He did not believe the evidence as submitted by Derek Shaw;

2) Derek Shaw had not told Henning Berg or his advisors that he did not have the authority to enter into that contract;

3) Derek Shaw removed the 12 month notification period from the contract and it was, he found, acceptable for Henning Berg and his advisors to rely upon Derek Shaws authority to bind the owners;

4) There was contradictory evidence before him (letters regarding the investigation viz a viz notification on the Clubs official website that their was no investigation);

5) The Club had neither suspended nor terminated Derek Shaws contract therefore: -

he did not believe the admission should be withdrawn and Judgment should be entered against the Club.

The situation the Club faces itself in is, in my opinion, wholly unfair and results from the removal of the twelve month notification period and the initial admission of liability. This factor is even more frustrating when you consider the point at calculation of the monies owed to Henning Berg under the contract is higher than the amount of money he would have earned if he had remained at the Club for the full duration. We must not forget that payment ought to have been made within a ridiculously short length of time of 28 days. This again is a mistake that had been made either by the MD or by Brabners Chaffe Street when drafting the contract.

Next Step

In my opinion the Club now have to consider the following:

1. The position of the MD;

2. Whether there are any legal grounds to pursue a claim for damages against Brabners; and

3. Protection for the owners at Boardroom level.

I am happy to advise briefly (and in more detail if requested) as follows:

a) The actions by the MD, either deliberately or by mistake which may constitute gross misconduct and as such suspension / termination are available by way of remedy to the Club immediately. In addition, contractually the Club has the right to pursue such damages against the MD. The owners must consider this matter.

Potentially, as a result of the advice that has been given by Brabners, and in some cases not given, could lead to a potential action against Brabners for damages. We should consider this in detail; and

c) Currently the owners do not appear to have any one of their representatives on the Board and as such, I am concerned that the owners are not protected at Boardroom level. Consideration should be given to (perhaps yourself) being appointed to the Board and therefore being in a position to carry out the owners wishes. In addition, the position of the MD could also be reviewed (please see my earlier point).

I have to say that for this situation to arise at MD level of a Plc is quite extraordinary and in my view in football is unprecedented.

I would strongly urge for an urgent review of the structure and corporate governance of the Club in order to avoid a repeat or confrontation between the Board and the owners, both of which would be highly damaging to the Club.

Undoubtedly the Club has received over the last few days some bad publicity as a result of the Henning Berg situation and may do so in tomorrows press. I would therefore expect that the fans and the press will expect the owners to act decisively on this matter.

I wish to reassure both yourselves and the owners from a legal point of view that everything that could be done was done.

In addition, the Club will also be liable for not only its own legal costs but those of the advisors to Henning Berg.

Should you wish to speak with me to discuss please do not hesitate to contact me on my mobile

Kind regards

Yours sincerely

Chris Farnell

Partner

IPS Law LLP

(dictated not read)

David House

10-12 Cecil Road

Hale

Cheshire

WA15 9PA

DDT: +44 (0)161 830 4717

Fax: +44 (0)161 830 4711"

Hope that helps.

[The Rover of Finland]

I do believe our squad is better than the latest results but not good enough for promotion. No doubt Lambert will give the squad huge boost instantly and if he really can make signings in January we will get better. Lambert should have connections for quality loan signings I think.

Next summer is the huge turning point. Never thought the training has been good enough since relegated. Also by then Lambert knows his squad well and knows the need for new faces. Just hope Venky's can offer him all he needs. That's the main issue I think.

[RitzyDelandro]

Delighted that this appointment has been made. Having particularly lost interest over the past year or two while our decline seemed ever more imminent (since 2011 really) it's great to see strong, sensible decisions being taken. I don't live in the UK but always bought a season ticket to help support the club and to use for the 5 or 6 games i'm able to get to. The last time i did that was the 2012-2013 season but i will be on the phone today to buy a season ticket for the remaining season and get back to ewood over the xmas period.

Also nice to finally see some optimism around this message board. Lets hope this is the first of many decisions our owners start to get right and that we get out of our embargo in January.

Genuinely excited for the first time in a very long time!

[philipl]

To post several times on a tread dedicated to lambert (best thing to happen in 5 years) enquiring about shelfie is blatantly a wind up. But if you genuinely don't know why people don't like Shaw I assume you've been under one of Bowyers rocks. Can't find the thing I was actually looking for but:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/henning-berg-case-blackburn-admit-being-out-of-control-and-incompetent-8590707.html

When the clubs own lawyers use words like renegade, out of control, acting with self interest, to describe shaws handling of berg.

Then this was posted on here:

"I thought I would send yourself and the owners a summary of the Judges verdict on our application to remove the admission of liability to pay Henning Berg a salary calculation over 2 1/2 years.

You will recall Derek Shaw and Brabners admitted liability for this sum without informing the owners. This can be evidenced by Derek Shaws conversation with Brabners which is on the file where it states she will not like this but will have to do it and ease it into her.

Our Application on 16th April 2013 was to attempt to remove / withdraw the admission of liability and go to a trial to hear this matter in full.

You will be aware from my previous notes that upon investigating this matter further and going through the witness statement with Derek Shaw that I did have deep reservations about this matter going to full trial as a result of feeling that Derek Shaw would not make a reliable witness as he seemed to be unsure of key events.

In short, the Judge today has dismissed our Application to withdraw the admission. As such, the admission by Derek Shaw and Brabners will stand and a further sum of monies (approximately £50k) will have to be paid to Henning Berg on to of the monies already paid.

The Judge found that:

1) He did not believe the evidence as submitted by Derek Shaw;

2) Derek Shaw had not told Henning Berg or his advisors that he did not have the authority to enter into that contract;

3) Derek Shaw removed the 12 month notification period from the contract and it was, he found, acceptable for Henning Berg and his advisors to rely upon Derek Shaws authority to bind the owners;

4) There was contradictory evidence before him (letters regarding the investigation viz a viz notification on the Clubs official website that their was no investigation);

5) The Club had neither suspended nor terminated Derek Shaws contract therefore: -

he did not believe the admission should be withdrawn and Judgment should be entered against the Club.

The situation the Club faces itself in is, in my opinion, wholly unfair and results from the removal of the twelve month notification period and the initial admission of liability. This factor is even more frustrating when you consider the point at calculation of the monies owed to Henning Berg under the contract is higher than the amount of money he would have earned if he had remained at the Club for the full duration. We must not forget that payment ought to have been made within a ridiculously short length of time of 28 days. This again is a mistake that had been made either by the MD or by Brabners Chaffe Street when drafting the contract.

Next Step

In my opinion the Club now have to consider the following:

1. The position of the MD;

2. Whether there are any legal grounds to pursue a claim for damages against Brabners; and

3. Protection for the owners at Boardroom level.

I am happy to advise briefly (and in more detail if requested) as follows:

a) The actions by the MD, either deliberately or by mistake which may constitute gross misconduct and as such suspension / termination are available by way of remedy to the Club immediately. In addition, contractually the Club has the right to pursue such damages against the MD. The owners must consider this matter.

Potentially, as a result of the advice that has been given by Brabners, and in some cases not given, could lead to a potential action against Brabners for damages. We should consider this in detail; and

c) Currently the owners do not appear to have any one of their representatives on the Board and as such, I am concerned that the owners are not protected at Boardroom level. Consideration should be given to (perhaps yourself) being appointed to the Board and therefore being in a position to carry out the owners wishes. In addition, the position of the MD could also be reviewed (please see my earlier point).

I have to say that for this situation to arise at MD level of a Plc is quite extraordinary and in my view in football is unprecedented.

I would strongly urge for an urgent review of the structure and corporate governance of the Club in order to avoid a repeat or confrontation between the Board and the owners, both of which would be highly damaging to the Club.

Undoubtedly the Club has received over the last few days some bad publicity as a result of the Henning Berg situation and may do so in tomorrows press. I would therefore expect that the fans and the press will expect the owners to act decisively on this matter.

I wish to reassure both yourselves and the owners from a legal point of view that everything that could be done was done.

In addition, the Club will also be liable for not only its own legal costs but those of the advisors to Henning Berg.

Should you wish to speak with me to discuss please do not hesitate to contact me on my mobile

Kind regards

Yours sincerely

Chris Farnell

Partner

IPS Law LLP

(dictated not read)

David House

10-12 Cecil Road

Hale

Cheshire

WA15 9PA

DDT: +44 (0)161 830 4717

Fax: +44 (0)161 830 4711"

Hope that helps.

Absolutely clear and patently obvious since the day he was appointed that Shaw is not fit to be Chairman of Blackburn Rovers.