Yesterday, statements started were released related to Paul Lambert’s dismissal. First there was Paul Lambert’s statement which was a pc attempt to cover over his abysmal record. Then came Randy Lerner’s statement – curt empty gesture. Today though, things got a little more exciting with a third statement – albeit via the Sun newspaper – from non-executive director General Charles Krulak.
Krulak’s words were in direct response to Paul Lambert’s who had essentially been spinning the narrative that he had no money to spend.
General Charles Krulak’s words
This idea that Randy has not put money into Aston Villa and that Paul’s hands were tied is not true. It’s hogwash. Paul took the job knowing he had good, experienced players, Bent, N’Zogbia, Agbonlahor, even if they were expensive. But he argued he needed a group of fresh younger players.
Randy backed him to bring in six to eight players in that first year or so. The club’s spend during that time was the highest of any manager under Randy.
That is the reality. Randy wants a team that – win, lose or draw – is fun to watch. But the opposite was true.
[quote_center]’That Paul’s hands were tied is not true. It’s hogwash.'[/quote_center]
We’ve already discussed on MOMS the inconsistencies in Lambert’s strategy – from exiling his senior players in the bomb squad to changing his transfer policy and ethos on the pitch – the bottom line is Lambert did a poor job. The numerous records of underachievement are proof to that.
Likewise, Lerner has been proven uncertain in his vision for Villa. From trying to sell the club, his ‘heart is not in it’ statement, and to continually supplying the oxygen to Lambert’s reign, despite the Villa boss’s under-performance.
Still, the club can move forward now, but it is important that Lerner isn’t leading Villa supporters on any more wild goose chases and these steps forward will at least be a concerted attempt of going in the direction of that ‘bright future’ he promised us all. UTV