The Hawthorns

Next Game

West Brom v Southampton

Saturday, 17 August 2013, 15:00

Barclays Prem

Lambert critical of sackings

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert believes the sackings of Brian McDermott and Nigel Adkins prove football is not necessarily a results business.

Last Updated: 15/03/13 at 16:32 Post Comment

Paul Lambert: Wants to add to Harry Redknapp's problems

Paul Lambert: Wants to add to Harry Redknapp's problems

Adkins was dismissed at Southampton last month despite back-to-back promotions and steering the club away from the relegation zone in their first season back in the Premier League.

McDermott was axed from Reading after Villa's 2-1 win over the Royals last weekend, despite having led the club to promotion from the Championship last year.

Lambert feels both men had produced good enough results on the pitch to stay in their jobs, but believes other factors have been taken into consideration.

"You never like to see anyone lose their job. People used to say it's a results business. It's not really anymore," said Lambert.

"If people don't like your face, or like what you are doing...

"Brian took Reading up, made them all the money and then loses his job.

"If you are telling me someone gets you out of the Championship and makes your club millions and then seven months later he loses his job, it doesn't bode well.

"It's the same with Nigel at Southampton. It doesn't really have to be based on results anymore.

"They are in an absolutely healthier position than they were two years and he has contributed a massive part to that."

Villa take on QPR on Saturday knowing a victory ould push the big-spending Londoners closer to relegation.

Harry Redknapp's position at Loftus Road seems secure enough after presiding over an upturn in form that has given the club hope of beating the drop, but Lambert would approach the match in exactly the same way even if that were not the case.

"You've got to be ruthless but you also know how other people feel because you know what it is like yourself," he said.

"Harry Redknapp is a brilliant manager, a good guy, but we have to win for our own sake."

Reflecting on the unique pressures of being a manager, he added: "Football is like that. You just never know what is around the corner. You just have to focus on your job and let other people decide that.

"You've just got to handle the pressure. It is not something I lie and worry about every night.

"You do the best you can do and what happens, happens."

Villa go into tomorrow's game full of confidence after a run of improved performances rekindled hopes of prolonging their stay in the top flight.

"It's a big game, so was last week," Lambert said.

"It's the same pressure, but I can see the lads are playing well and with a lot of confidence.

"We know only one way to play, is go and try and win. We will have a brilliant crowd tomorrow which will be right behind us.

"They will drive us on and the onus is on the home team to make the running."

Lambert has no fresh injury worries but midfielder Fabian Delph is again ruled out through suspension after picking up 10 bookings.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

W

hose idea was it to sign the capital of the Isle of Man?! F*ck off, I'm not having that!' - Joe Kinnear (possibly, no stranger than any of his bona fide public utterances).

solskjaer99
Newcastle pull Douglas deal

S

wap deal with ITV. Can't wait to see Stuart Pearce and Roy Keane giving each other the evils.

rambo
Southgate tipped for U-21 job

J

oe has signed John Scales instead.

rambo
Newcastle pull Douglas deal

Footer 365

Sky Sports announces opening set of live Football League fixtures

Sky Sports will show five live Football League games in as many days to kick off the 2013/14 season.

RvW earns Hughton plaudits

Norwich manager Chris Hughton thinks that new signing Ricky Van Wolfswinkel can "make the difference" for the Canaries next season.

Andy Carroll hopes West Ham move will improve his chances of going to World Cup with England

Andy Carroll admits that his move to West Ham United could improve his chances of playing at the World Cup next year.

Mail Box

Blaming Camera Angles For England Failings

One chap in the mailbox blames England's struggles on a lack of wide camera angles. Hmmm. Plus, a lot of love for the Confeds Cup and the perfect fixture list...

'Bye Sunderland' & More Fixtures Reaction

The afternoon mailbox has plenty more views on the fixture list. Plus, a sublime piece of skill from Emile Heskey, more cool 'ballers and dull football matches...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved