Lambert aims to get Tractor Boys motoring
Paul Lambert is back in football after being appointed manager of Ipswich Town.
He succeeds Paul Hurst, who was sacked last Thursday, and has signed a contract until the summer of 2021.
Ipswich are bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, with only one win in 14 games and Lambert’s appointment is an intriguing one.
The 49-year-old was in charge of Ipswich’s rivals, Norwich City between 2009 and 2012, and he becomes the first man to manage both clubs.
“I can’t wait to get going and I’ll be using all my experience – and give everything I’ve got for Ipswich Town,” said Lambert.
“I know about the history of the club. What a fantastic football club it is and I’m proud to be the manager here.
“Obviously it’s been a difficult start to the season, but to get through this period we need to be pulling together as one – players, staff and supporters.
“I want us to play with tempo, with enthusiasm, with drive. And I want the players to enjoy their football.
“I’m relishing the challenge of helping to take this club forward.”
The former Scotland midfielder, who won 40 caps and played for Craig Brown’s side at the 1998 World Cup Finals in France, managed Livingston, Wycombe Wanderers and Colchester United before guiding Norwich into the Premier League with two successive promotions.
He has also had spells in charge at Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves, and spent the second half of last season at Stoke.
Lambert won only two of his 15 games in charge at Stoke and left the Potters following their relegation from the Premier League.
Before moving into management, Lambert had a hugely successful playing career, winning the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund, the Scottish Cup with St Mirren and every domestic honour at Celtic.
He also captained the Hoops side that reached the UEFA Cup Final in Seville in 2003.
Lambert will need all that experience to get the Tractor Boys out of their current predicament, but club owner, Marcus Evans, has every confidence.
“I am delighted that Paul has agreed to become manager of Ipswich Town,” he said.
“Paul made it clear from our first conversation that he would relish the opportunity to come here.
“He is a very knowledgeable manager, who has vast experience of the Championship as well as working for a number of years in the Premier League.
“In his time at Aston Villa, he showed he could work and develop young players, and his teams have always looked to play exciting football.
“He obviously enjoyed a lot of success at our local rivals, and the aim for Paul and everyone at the club is to see that repeated here – and bettered!”
Lambert watched from the director’s box at Millwall yesterday as his new side went down 3-0.
He has work to do.