But he has been stirred ahead of today’s relegation crunch at Carrow Road.And despite his respect for Norwich fans, following three hugely successful years with the Norfolk club, Lambo says he does not give a damn if City lose the top-flight status he delivered to them in 2011.
He said: “There’s no sentiment in football. Would I prefer ourselves and Norwich to survive? No, it’s all about us now. There are a lot of good people at Norwich, people I’ll say hello to. I’ve got nothing but gratitude to that football club. We had a good time there together for three years.
''I have a lot of respect for Norwich City as a club and the fans were great to me over the three years.
“But my job is here now. When we won 4-1 there in the League Cup I didn’t punch my fist in the air because I’ve too much respect for the fans at Norwich to do that.
“I have fantastic memories from my time there, but it has gone. We have to win.”
Although Lambert remained dignified on his last visit, it soon became clear he had ruffled feathers within the Canaries boardroom following his acrimonious exit last summer.
That resulted in Norwich chiefs deliberately snubbing Lambo when he returned for December’s cup clash.The Scot, 43, confessed: “What was it like when I went back? It wasn’t great, put it that way. But that’s football.
“Certain things happened, but I don’t want to get caught up in all of that. “If people don’t like me, they don’t like me. If they want to shake my hand, they’ll shake my hand. However other people want to portray me, that’s entirely up to them.
“I come from a part of Glasgow where you get used to that, so I don’t mind. I just want to do my best for Villa. “It’s not about people shunning me or me saying hello to people, it’s about my team and our supporters coming to watch us — that’s what concerns me.”
Norwich chairman Alan Bowkett had upset Lambert prior to that game by revealing — during a fans’ forum — that he was suing the club over an unpaid bonus. The Villa boss responded by pointing out Norwich were actually suing him over breach of contract!
Eventually the row was settled ahead of an industrial tribunal when Norwich agreed to pay Lambert his bonus and Villa stumped up compensation to City for their manager’s departure.
Lambert is bound by a confidentiality clause but admits it is difficult having to bite his tongue on the matter.
He said: “I’ve got my own thoughts on that. Things happened there that should never have happened.
“But the case is finished which I’m delighted about. It’s a weight off my shoulders. Some of the things were ridiculous.
“Maybe one day I’ll speak about it... when I’m about 80! Maybe then people will know the truth.”
Lambert insists he has no problem with Norwich manager Chris Hughton or the club’s supporters.
But he says if he does come in for abuse today, he will not bat an eyelid. He said: “Fans can sing or do what they want.
“Luckily enough I played in the Celtic-Rangers games — that’s what you call stick. “Criticism is criticism, it’s not like I’m going to change. “Chris is a great guy. But we’ll go there to try and win.”
Lambert’s positive outlook has certainly rubbed off on Villa defender Matt Lowton, who claims his manager has turned him into a better player. This time last year, Lowton was a virtual unknown making steady, if unspectacular progress at League One Sheffield United.
Now, having stepped up two flights to the Premier League following a £3million move last summer, he is being talked about as an Arsenal target and potential England international. And he is convinced it is because his manager rarely resorts to the hairdryer treatment. Lowton, 23, said: “The gaffer is probably the most positive person I’ve ever met.
“He has a really good way of communicating with players and getting his message across.
“He’ll take you aside and he won’t just say ‘You’re doing it wrong’, he’ll say ‘This is how you do it right.’
“We watch videos and I like to think that it’s helped me, being told where I went wrong, where I did things right and how to improve specific areas of my game.
“I switched off in a match at the start of the season and the gaffer told me ‘you’re in a good position here.’
“He knew I’d see for myself how I’d switched off. He didn’t need to say another word.
“It wasn’t even a major thing but he caught it, pointed it out and that’s how you learn as a player and improve your game.
“He’s been very good with me, all of us really, in terms of instilling confidence and belief.”
Source : Sun Uk
No comments:
Post a Comment