Duncan Edwards 2,424 Posted February 12, 2015 https://duncanedwards8.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/the-green-green-grass-of-lambert/Don''t know if the link will work...Feel free to discuss/comment/tear to shreds...OTBC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeCanary 0 Posted February 12, 2015 "But he’d created a three-season feast of football at Norwich and that’s why any feeling of bitterness fuelled satisfaction that it’s gone tits up for him in Birmingham is quickly washed away by the memories that he gave me. The luck, the hard work, the running through walls and all those late goals; Derby at home, Portsmouth away and tearing the heart out of Ipswich twice. Oli Johnson and his late headers against Southend, getting our own back at Colchester and that draw at the Emirates. Paul Lambert brought the good times back and he’ll do the same for someone else one day. Not exactly the same; he couldn’t replicate what he did here but what an appointment he’d be for a Nottingham Forest or maybe even a Newcastle?Wherever he pitches up next, irrespective of his Villa chapter, somebody will be getting a gem." Perhaps, or perhaps "Paul''s Ferry" was a crossing that found a perfect home, time and place in Norwich never to be achieved again for Mr. Lambert. Certainly, in many ways it resembles the arrival at Norwich of another Scot, one Archie Macaulay. When he arrived in 1957 as Norwich manager he was of a similar age as Paul Lambert was when he took over. Macaulay also took us on at a troubled time. Under Tom Parker we were destined to finish the 1956/57 season dead last in the old Third Division South and the salt in the wound was that Ipswich were at the other end of the table and were promoted. We were also in deep financial trouble. From those troubled times Archie Macaulay led us for the next four seasons that brought joy back. He added some youngsters in with some veterans and the following season we climbed the table, finishing in a strong eighth place only seven points out of first place. The following season Third Division Norwich City had an FA cup run for which every moment is etched into our inners for those of us that were there. Football eyes all over the country were on Norwich City. The following season we were promoted to the second level with Southampton and the next season we finished fourth in the second level. Wonderful stuff given the precarious position we were in before Archie arrived. A new level had been built for the club which has been soundly maintained ( at a minimum ) over all these years, with the exception of one recent season for which Paul''s Ferry arrived to rescue us from those choppy waters and, as all of us now say, the rest is wonderful history. Despite leaving Norwich for the Midlands and WBA in the top level, Archie was never again to reach the euphoria he experienced with Norwich, and after a number of years with Brighton in the fourth and third levels, he left the game of football for good at a relatively early age of 52. Paul Lambert may have his best days to come but the path of football history is marked with more managers who were unable to replicate and build on their warmest days in the sun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katie Borkins 1 Posted February 12, 2015 Pretty good read. Bit of a metaphor overload early on.Lambert will be a better manager for his time at Villa, it may do more for him than his stint with us if he is capable of reflection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nutty nigel 7,902 Posted February 12, 2015 https://duncanedwards8.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/the-green-green-grass-of-lambert/ I wonder if history will show that Lambert did a good job for Villa in keeping them in the PL. Not good enough for many of their fans though. And ridiculously had he done the same here it would not have been good enough for many of our fans. But the harsh reality of that league is that half the sides are aiming to cling to their PL status at all costs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ca 1 Posted February 12, 2015 Really good read again Duncan, I''ve got mixed feelings about Paul Lambert but who cant fail to remember 3 great seasons, all those late goals and the never give up attitude he installed in our team. Agree with what you said at the end '''' Wherever he pitches up next, irrespective of his Villa chapter, somebody will be getting a gem'''' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingsway 101 Posted February 12, 2015 ["YankeeCanary"]"But he’d created a three-season feast of football at Norwich and that’s why any feeling of bitterness fuelled satisfaction that it’s gone tits up for him in Birmingham is quickly washed away by the memories that he gave me. The luck, the hard work, the running through walls and all those late goals; Derby at home, Portsmouth away and tearing the heart out of Ipswich twice. Oli Johnson and his late headers against Southend, getting our own back at Colchester and that draw at the Emirates. Paul Lambert brought the good times back and he’ll do the same for someone else one day. Not exactly the same; he couldn’t replicate what he did here but what an appointment he’d be for a Nottingham Forest or maybe even a Newcastle?Wherever he pitches up next, irrespective of his Villa chapter, somebody will be getting a gem." Perhaps, or perhaps "Paul''s Ferry" was a crossing that found a perfect home, time and place in Norwich never to be achieved again for Mr. Lambert. Certainly, in many ways it resembles the arrival at Norwich of another Scot, one Archie Macaulay. When he arrived in 1957 as Norwich manager he was of a similar age as Paul Lambert was when he took over. Macaulay also took us on at a troubled time. Under Tom Parker we were destined to finish the 1956/57 season dead last in the old Third Division South and the salt in the wound was that Ipswich were at the other end of the table and were promoted. We were also in deep financial trouble. From those troubled times Archie Macaulay led us for the next four seasons that brought joy back. He added some youngsters in with some veterans and the following season we climbed the table, finishing in a strong eighth place only seven points out of first place. The following season Third Division Norwich City had an FA cup run for which every moment is etched into our inners for those of us that were there. Football eyes all over the country were on Norwich City. The following season we were promoted to the second level with Southampton and the next season we finished fourth in the second level. Wonderful stuff given the precarious position we were in before Archie arrived. A new level had been built for the club which has been soundly maintained ( at a minimum ) over all these years, with the exception of one recent season for which Paul''s Ferry arrived to rescue us from those choppy waters and, as all of us now say, the rest is wonderful history. Despite leaving Norwich for the Midlands and WBA in the top level, Archie was never again to reach the euphoria he experienced with Norwich, and after a number of years with Brighton in the fourth and third levels, he left the game of football for good at a relatively early age of 52. Paul Lambert may have his best days to come but the path of football history is marked with more managers who were unable to replicate and build on their warmest days in the sun.Very true!Its made my blood boil ever since Lambert left, those who said they''d have him back!He was great for us no doubt but it was the right time and right place where him and other notable characters came together!For instance Grant Holt was signed by Bryan Gunn and had the best 3 seasons of his life never to be replicated. I liken Daryl Murphys season at S*um this time around as very similar to Holts golden spell with us. Murphy previous to this season has never been prolific and has been mostly very frustrating. If Murphy had one of his "normal" seasons then they''d be about half way in the League! Half Grants Holts goals in his 1st 3 seasons with us and we''d of never made the Premiership!I''ve always maintained that Hughtons 1st season for us when we finished 11th and above Lamberts Villa was better than had Lambert stayed with us!Never go back, it didn''t work with Mike Walker! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
