Lambert's LMA statement

It's (a) weird, because the tone is almost triumphant; and (b) very revealing, in that it shows he knew - because Lerner told him - what he was letting himself in for.

Toughest challenge of his working life? Yes, undoubtedly. It would've been for any manager. That job is as close to impossible as any I can think of in football. It's bad enough managing a medium-sized PL club without the means to challenge for anything significant; even worse when that club is cutting substantially, meaning you'll almost inevitably do worse than your club size says you should.

Worst job in the Premier League IMO (with Newcastle second worst). The smaller clubs know they won't be in the Prem forever, so the fans can enjoy themselves when they can and the manager will get plenty of credit if he does well; the bigger clubs can at least try and get into the CL or are CL regulars.

Then there's Villa, Newcastle and (as I think will become apparent over the years ahead), Everton. HORRIBLE clubs to manage, with Villa the worst of 'em by a distance because their fans are so disenchanted and because their ownership situation means they're in limbo for who knows how long.

Posted By: thebigfeller, Feb 12, 17:40:21