LAMBERT TO RIDE HIGH
I can steer Potters clear of drop zone
NEW Stoke boss Paul Lambert is back in the saddle – but his bike will be spending more time in the shed.
The Scot has developed a passion for cycling since leaving Wolves just over seven months ago but can’t wait for all the anxiety that being a manager brings.
Lambert takes charge of his first game tomorrow at home to Huddersfield and admitted he’s been like a kid with a new toy since landing the job at struggling Stoke.
He said: “Sleep? I couldn’t even spell it, let alone get time to do it! But I’m just so excited and can’t wait to get started.
“Come match day, you get that stomach churning thing again, which I think is important. I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a game and felt pretty relaxed.
“You always get that feeling of excitement that a big game creates. It’s great. That’s all I’ve ever really done since I was knee high.”
Lambert has enjoyed his downtime, spending it commentating on the Bundesliga and meeting old friends from his time at Borussia Dortmund.
The 48-year-old even had the chance to enjoy Christmas without interruption, but admits he’s happy to trade it all in for the job of trying to steer Stoke clear of relegation.
He added: “Football’s been my life. There’s not been many times when I’ve been out of the game.
“Christmas time was probably the first time I’d been out and enjoyed it and New Year. But, yes, all the pressure again. That’s the nature of the beast, isn’t it? But you know what you are going into.
“To say I’m having to pinch myself would be an understatement. A week ago if you’d have asked me what I was doing this Saturday, I wouldn’t have had a clue.
“But I’m back doing what I love best and I just can’t wait for that match-day feeling to be here again.
“Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed spending time over in Germany because I like the lifestyle and the markets. But there’s only so much Gluhwein you can drink.”
The Potters have announced the signing of Greece left-back Kostas Stafylidis on loan from Augsburg for the rest of the season.