Those two things are in no way contradictory as they are referring to different ideas; the idea that Lambert had nothing to with the bomb squad and the idea that he masterminded the whole thing.
No but he also never had a bad word to say about him at any point, even when he looked certain to leave.
Even in private after a few drinks.
I don't know whose idea it was either but I don't think there was any change of stance by Lambert on it. He'd have been happy to have Given, Ireland, Hutton etc. all available for selection IMO but agreed to their exclusion for financial reasons.
As soon as he was offered the use of them he took it as far as I can see. Maybe I'm wrong and he did change his mind, but throughout this Hutton seems to have given the impression that Lambert didn't exclude him/them.