NSmith22

He gives the effort but sadly whatever edge he had last year was figured out this season. Rather see Robinson get the start next week or even Helenius.

He definitely looked nervous but I'm very happy he got the chance. Good for him and I hope this continues through the end of the season into next.

Pretty disappointing to read some of the posts in this thread. Marc had an awesome game. There's no debating that. Not sure if some are letting the strikers off the hook or what. The effort he put in should be praise enough.

As excited as I am about a possible takeover like everyone else, I have to sit back and remind myself what happened to Portsmouth. Grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I wouldn't write it off as pointless just yet. I truly believe the talent is there for him. I think what's been holding him back is adapting to the phsyical nature of the prem. However, I think it would be tragic not to let him get some chances in these last few games. As close as we are to the bottom I think Norwich, Sunderland, and Cardiff would have to pull off miracles for us to be legitimately in that relegation picture. So there really is no reason not to let Nicklas and Callum have a go and see what they've really got.

 

Also, we have a very large amount of football managers on here - impressive.

Classic.

 

Funny you say that...

Twitter rumblings that IC is in talks with Norwich about joining staff... LOL

 

I’ve never claimed to be an ITK and I’m not going to start now but from time to time I've heard things from very reliable people, and as some of my posts in this thread have suggested I've heard a bit in relation to events today and leading to them.

 

I received information only two days ago specifically mentioning the phrase “the enemy within” then I think it’s only fair to assume my friend (who knows one of the players very well) has fairly accurate information.

 

I know everyone will have their own opinions and own theories behind events today but this what he had to say about what has gone on. Some think its Lambert being undermined and pushed out, others that he is next. Well what I've been told might clear-up a lot of the speculation.

 

I'm told Culverhouse and Karsa were hated by everyone at the football club but especially the first-team players. There have been problems for some time and Lambert wanted to sack Culverhouse when he had a run-in with a fan but wasn’t given approval by the board to do so. At the time Lambert got stick over that but by the sounds of it he was as annoyed as some fans at the time.

 

His training methods have been terrible as if he wanted to the team to perform badly. Very hard to believe I know but that is what has been said.

 

Karsa thought he was Mr Big at the football club and was constantly ultra critical of the players and mouthed off at Paul Faulkner on several occasions for not releasing more money for new players.

 

They are both last in the training ground and first out while Lambert is there from 8am until 6pm almost every day. They also refused to move to Birmingham.

 

People seem to think Lambert has had Given forced on him and that he was part of the infamous bomb squad, neither are true. Lambert never once fell-out with Shay Given. Even although he wasn’t playing, a mixture of which was down to his wages but also Lambert preferred Guzan, they always got on extremely well. Given always trained with the first-team and was never ever considered to one of the ‘Bomb squad’.

 

Lambet has always had a good relationship with Sid Cowans. By all accounts Lambert never missed a reserve or youth game and is very supportive (although doesn’t think it’s fair to blood them when the team are under so much pressure) but will play some of them once we are safe.

 

Everyone at BMH was informed of the news this morning and training today was better than before and the players clapped Lambert on to the pitch. Lambert was “very hands-on” which wasn’t always the case and that is to continue now.

 

Vlaar and one or two senior players spoke to the rest of the team and everyone is desperate to get results for Lambert. They also told Faulkner they will prove that in the coming games at a meeting today.

 

So as much as all this is pretty crazy stuff to take in, if the above information is true and if you look at my previous posts on this particular subject accurate it has been, then this might actually be a turning point.

 

We will have to wait and see I guess starting with the next game. I don't expect this to instantly change peoples views or for some to change their views at all,  that is fair enough people are entitled to their opinions.  But don't attack me for sharing this it even if you think its a load of rubbish. I'm just sharing what I've been told and given who its come from what I believe.

 

Lets hope this change signals a change in fortunes.

 

Infinite thanks for sharing this. Now the pessimists on here can finally can it at least til the end of the season I hope.

I dunno, I mean, let's say we did go in for the players mentioned as targets who were too expensive.

Guzan

Bacuna Okore Vlaar Bertrand

Barry

Westwood Delph

Holtby

Lukaku Benteke

That is a very solid lineup. A few proper additions would make our squad top 10 quality at minimum IMO, with decent players on the bench too. I think we would improve.

That lineup would be more than enough to get a Europa League spot, hands down.

 

 

Really hope we haven't seen the last of Helenius at Villa, as the Telegraph seem to be suggesting.

Haven't even got to see him properly and when we have he's looked good, pissed me off royally.

Is that even a reputable news outlet? Serious question. I would be extremely pissed if he wasn't given a legit chance at proving himself. As for the rest in that article...they can move along.

They're reporting that Sylla, Tonev, Luna and Helenius will all be sold this summer with Lambert scrapping the cheap/young policy. Indicates potentially better funds I guess but I think Helenius could come good.

 

That's why I question the reputation of the Telegraph. Nothing Lerner has done in the past few years indicates to me a nice sum of money is coming PL's way. And it would look pretty bad on PL if he moved Helenius along. I think it's fair to acknowledge that Luna, Tonev, and Bowery aren't and may never be ready for Premiership quality opposition. However, I still have faith PL is going to give Helenius a fair chance at proving himself.

Really hope we haven't seen the last of Helenius at Villa, as the Telegraph seem to be suggesting.

Haven't even got to see him properly and when we have he's looked good, pissed me off royally.

Is that even a reputable news outlet? Serious question. I would be extremely pissed if he wasn't given a legit chance at proving himself. As for the rest in that article...they can move along.

I've seen very little to suggest that 2 or 3 more expensive signings in the summer will lead to big improvement.

2 or 3 expensive signings did wonders for Everton. Not saying the rest of our squad compares but it's hard to say with the injury woes this season. Can you imagine if Kozak, Gabby, Okore, and Benteke stayed healthy throughout this entire season? I almost gaurantee we would have already hit the 40 point mark and that would have been a decent improvement over last year.

Can anyone attest to the "sources" from the other site? Have they been credible in the past or is this just like the handful of ITKs that spring up on here?

Anyone else notice his number? #5.

Profit/Loss in Prem after tax 2012/13 http://imgur.com/oii8WRL

 

 

 

 

I think after palace and once Southampton start running rings around us, the crowd will turn en masse against Lambert & his cronies. This season at B6 has been the very definition of unacceptable

And this has been predicted time and time before and has yet to happen.

Why's it so hard to accept that people can see the bigger picture?

Yet to happen because we pulled a result out the bag. WBA at home and Norwich at home were on the verge.

So keep predicting and it nay come true one day.

Well it will only come true if Lambert continues to fail.

 

 

 

 

 

. I just don't see why people choose to defend a man who surely has brought them very little joy supporting their team.

If it was all his fault I would agree, but of course it isn't.

But then surely you blame the others rather than defend one of the guilty party.

I'm not really sure what you mean. The owner, manager, players, coaching staff etc are all "guilty" of putting us where we are, some more so than others, but do they all deserve the sack?

Most of them yes.

Wow, that's some rebuilding job.

Yep. That's the mess we're currently in.

 

delusions of grandeur (noun) - a delusion (common in paranoia) that you are much greater and more powerful and influential than you really are

GREEDY GRANT HOLT!!!!

Decent 1st half. Holt definitely looks up to the challenge so far. Aside from the inevitable Baker screwup things looked pretty good/organized.

At least from over here the broadcast is showing Holt and he's definitely talking alot to the guys. Here's to hoping his words light the fire and his play is the example.

Oh FFS!! BOWERY!?? .......

Delph and Gabby out?

So that could be over 4 first team players out.

Obviously we should still be scoring 10 and playing perfect football against everyone!

Holt will start and everyone will decide that he will be shit before he’s even kicked a ball, Villa fan logic.

Delph out? Did I miss something or do you have lineups already?

As poor as Fulham have been this year I have a bad feeling about this one. Generally like to be optimistic before every game but the FFC players have to think this is one of the few opportunities to nick some points. I will be extremely annoyed if Helenius doesn't make the bench (as long as he's healthy). Hell I really want to see him start and play the full 90.

I wonder whether this has helped our chances of keeping him next season?

Terrible news. No excuses for Lambert not to give Helenius a chance to shine under the circumstances for the rest of the season.

Never going to happen, this was why Holt was signed.

Fair enough. But do you really believe Holt can do 90? I agree he was signed for the coverage but his fitness is suspect. You're probably right Lambert will likely plug him in but the thought still makes me cringe.