Answers...

Now that the season is nearly over, has it met your expectations, exceeded them or fallen short of them?

*Exceeded them by far. Current run of "form" is disappointing but not worthy of the criticism it has created in some noisy factions*

Who have been your best players this season?

*We're a team. Many more have performed than those who have not, hence our run of results and good league placing. Ruddy has been outstanding, likewise Naughton, Russell Martin, especially in central defence, Zak Whitbread and Holt. But good words and things could be said about many more*

Lambert seems to me to be a bit of an alchemist, getting players who weren?t stars at Premier League level to function as an effective team. Is this how you?d see him or is he too much of a ?tinkerman??

*No, saying he is an "alchemist" suggests sleight of hand and trickery. He is more genuine than that. He is an intelligent and astute judge of a footballer who is able to develop those that need that final 'nudge' to play at the highest level. Not playing in the Premier League does not mean that a player isn't good enough for that level, I am sure there are players who have spent their entire careers in the lower leagues who could have had success in the Premier League, had they been given the opportunity and coaching. Lamberts gift is identifying them*

If ?Arry is appointed England manager, do you worry that Spurs might come calling for Lambert to replace him?

*No. They'll be looking for a "name"-the whole Spurs 'package' will demand it. Lambert has been overshadowed by Brendan Rodgers this season because Rodgers is far more media friendly with the snappy quote and ready interview. Lambert is not media driven at all. I suspect his next managerial post will be in Germany, a 'step up' to a big club here-for Motherwell read Norwich*

When I began preparing this preview at the beginning of April, I was surprised to see how low down the 6-game ?form table? City were. Do you think that Lambert?s taken them as far as he can or is there more to come from him and his management team?

*Not at all. He is playing with half an eye on next season already. Survival is all but assured, development of the next step has already begun. He will want to hit next season running which means not preparing for it in the Summer but now.

Specifically, do you worry about ?second season syndrome? for next season?

*Yes, slightly-there is a worry that teams will have 'worked us out' but then again, we will be a different team and play a different way, with new players, next season anyway. It will, in effect, be like this season again as far as the opposition is concerned*

What team do you think he?ll put out against us and who should we watch out for?

*I suspect 4-5-1. Ruddy-Martin-Bennett R-Whitbread-Naughton-Bennett E-Fox-Howson-Hoolahan-Pilkington/Surman-Holt*

Howson is one to watch. Due a goal after some good performances already and developing an excellent iunderstanding with Fox already. Looks an absolute steal.*

You?ll have read in the media how popular our owners and manager are with many of the fans [NOT]; what do you think about the way our saga has developed?

*I wonder if Steve Kean is one of those people who is a great coach-but who lacks that certain something that makes you a Manager as well. I think the two roles are, for the most part, mutually exclusive. We had it with John Deehan, a superb coach but didn't cut it as a Manager. I think Kean as a strong number 2 to a "traditional" manager (maanger first, coach second) would work very well for you-you look at someone like Mick McCarthy, always the Manager but not so much the coach, likewise Terry Connor-great coach, but is he a Manager? As for your owners-well, put it this way, better there than here. As with so many owners they see a business not a football club. When that side of things suffers, so does the football. You need a strong CE who will hold the Venkey's at bay and emphasise that without a strong football side of the business, there isn't one*

Are there any of our players you fear will cause you problems [lol]?

*Yakubu and Hoilett, definitely. Yakubu is all you need in a modern striker-strong, fast, confident. Would live him here*

What do you think the final score will be, remembering the last 10 minutes of our game at Carrow Road earlier this season?

*Looking at a draw, 2-2 for me*

Posted By: Martin Peters, Apr 4, 10:23:56