It’s Paul Lambert

By: David | August 18th, 2009

The Club announced Paul Lambert as their new manager this morning following his resignation from Colchester United last night. The Champions League winner has signed a 12 month rolling contract with his brief a simple one; promotion back to the Championship this season.

Speculation that a replacement for Gunn had already been selected prior to his sacking isn’t dampened by the revelations on Colchester United’s own website. Their Chairman explains how City contacted him Saturday evening about offering Lambert the job here. and how compensation for Lambert’s services and getting a clause excluding any players moving to Carrow Road is ongoing.

When I heard Lambert announced I have to say I was pretty underwhelmed. However, as the day went on and I’ve found out more about him I’m growing in confidence. He knows the big occasions as a player having won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund defeating Zinedine Zidane’s Notts County (aka juventus). He captained Monaco and Celtic winning SPL titles, Scottish Cups, League Cups and a UEFA Cup final appearance. He also won 40 caps for Scotland, playing in the ‘98 World Cup in France.

Paul’s managerial career kicked off with Livingston in Scotland but he resigned after 8 months having only won two league games. June 2006 saw Lambert start to make his managerial mark with Wycombe Wanderers, City’s opponents this weekend. He took them to the League Cup semi final having knocked out Premier League teams Fulham and Charlton en route. Wycombe held Chelsea 1-1 in the first semi final leg before losing at Stamford Bridge. The team made the league play offs but were knocked out by Stockport County and Lambert resigned.

Then he replaced Geraint Williams at Colchester in October last year winning his first game against Wycombe and guiding the U’s to mid table 12th, only losing 9 games but drawing 19 and having 58 goals both for and against.