Leaving Norwich would be a bad move for Paul Lambert

Over the last few weeks, a certain topic has started to crop up in conversations among Norwich City fans. It is not one that we wish to discuss, but considering the form of Norwich City over the last eighteen months, it was inevitable that someone would ask the following question eventually: “How long can we keep hold of Paul Lambert?”

Some fans are hesitant to discuss the possible departure of our prized manager; this is hardly surprising, but it is an issue that the club could face between now and the end of the season. A league title and promotion winning season, as well as a promising start to life back in the Championship, will not go unnoticed.

Lambert recently picked up the League Managers’ Association’s Performance of the Week award for the Canaries' 2-1 win at Derby County. The performance at Pride Park, along with other results such as the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town, have kept Norwich in contention for a place in the Championship play-offs. It is notable performances like these that will link managers with other clubs.

Oddly enough, Paul Lambert has not been linked with another job this season - and long may that continue. However, how long will it be until someone starts sniffing around?

Blackburn Rovers have parted company with Sam Allardyce and West Ham look likely to sack Avram Grant before the January transfer window opens. Would Lambert appear on their radars? Quite possibly. Would Norwich let him go? Probably not, particularly as the latter could well be playing in the same league as Norwich next season. Plus, the new Blackburn Rovers board is quickly developing a reputation of being the latest wannabes who think they can play a real life game of Championship Manager.

The lure of the Premiership could appeal to Lambert, but he would struggle to find a job as good as the one he has got. There are doubts in Lancashire that Blackburn Rovers can sustain themselves in the Premiership long term; the West Ham board’s public outbursts make Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf look like Max Clifford.  

Are these suitable destinations for a manager like Lambert? No, he is far too good for them. Wigan Athletic and Wolves should also take note; the latter look destined to join West Ham in the Championship, the former have over-achieved for years. How about Everton if David Moyes get sacked? I’ll pretend I did not write that…

A move to the Scottish Premier League – or any of the Scottish leagues – also appears unlikely. In an interview earlier this year, Lambert commented that the Scottish leagues are like a “goldfish bowl” and that he has no intention to return to Celtic. He sees his future in England and, I think, possibly Germany. Lambert is one of a select group of foreigners to have been given dispensation by the German FA to do his coaching badges there. His exploits at Carrow Road have not gone unnoticed at Borrusia Dortmund, where he won the Champions League in 1997. He would be a popular choice as a future manager.  

I would not begrudge Lambert a return to Dortmund, but the chances of him heading back there at the moment are non-existent; Borussia are currently eleven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

If Lambert did leave, he would struggle to find a club with the size of support that Norwich City has and the board backing he currently receives. The Norwich City board recently outlined a seven year plan to establish the club in the Premiership; ideally, Lambert should be here to see it through. The club does not have a policy of signing so-called flash mercenaries with the aim of delivering instant success; it has stability and a long-term plan, something that Lambert would not get with a knee-jerk move to a Premiership club.

He is better off staying in Norfolk - and he probably knows that too.