Can Lambert turn around Villa’s fortunes?
Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Norwich saw Aston Villa make their worst start to a season for 43 years.
Paul Lambert was facing his former employers for the first time since he resigned as Norwich City manager at the end of last season. The Scotsman worked wonders when he was handed the reins at Carrow Road in August 2009, transforming the Canaries from a team who had just been beaten 7-1 at home to League One champions. His former club, Colchester United, could have been excused for being shocked at his departure to their East Anglian rivals, especially seeing as it had been Lambert and the U’s who had just administered the opening day thrashing of the Norfolk club.
After leading Norwich to the League One title, Lambert’s influence continued in the Championship; the Canaries finished second, securing automatic promotion to the Premier League. After two successive promotions, nobody gave the club a chance of surviving in the Premier League. However, not only did Norwich stay up, they managed to pull off an impressive 12th-placed finish in what was a considered a successful season.
Following Alex McLeish’s sacking at Villa Park, speculation arose that Lambert was to become the new Aston Villa manager. Despite initially declining his resignation, Norwich ultimately lost their man to the Midlands club.
Since arriving at the Villa helm, Lambert hasn’t been afraid to ring the changes. Clearly not fancying the fullbacks of last season, Alan Hutton and Stephen Warnock have been frozen out and replaced by youngsters Matthew Lowton and Joe Bennett. Premier League veteran Shay Given has also lost his place in the side to American goalkeeper Brad Guzan, whilst talk continues of Lambert’s decision to leave Villa’s record signing Darren Bent on the bench. The striker is said to be unhappy with his role as a substitute and not being in Lambert’s starting lineup.
Having guided Norwich from the depths of League One to safety in the Premier League, the Scottish manager has already proven that he has the credentials to create a successful team. Villa fans will just hope that Lambert’s reign doesn’t involve taking them down a level before they are to come good.
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