Sack Race: Avoid Lambert despite Villa slump
Published:
A look at the papers and the hot topics on social media and you can be forgiven for thinking Paul Lambert has one foot out of the Villa Park exit door.
Since signing a new five year deal the Scot has seen his side lose five games on the bounce, conceding 13 goals and scoring just one, including a 2-0 reverse at the hands of QPR last timeout.
The run has seen Lambert’s odds cut in the Premier League Sack Race, with Ladbrokes now pricing the former Norwich gaffer at 6/1 to be the next top flight boss to leave.
However, as is usually the case in the media, a bandwagon has been jumped on without proper scrutiny.
While the loss at Loftus Road is an unwelcome result, the four defeats prior to that came against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton so while Lambert’s post-contract signing numbers make an tweet that’s easy to sneer at he won’t be ushered out any time soon.
Instead, despite victory over the Villans, it is Hoops boss Harry Redknapp that continues to head the market at 6/5.
The Charlie Austin-inspired win was just the Rs second of the campaign so far and with Redknapp filling his squad with a number of high-profile, highly-paid players more would have been expected.
Also making Redknapp a tempting pick, despite the short price, is the presence of not one but two men looking to get back into the hot seat.
Glenn Hoddle is on the coaching staff and Les Ferdinand has recently been handed one of those wafty director titles.
With either man ready to lead the team – on a temporary or permanent basis – the temptation for owner Tony Fernandez to pull the trigger is palpable – in the eyes of the fans and the punters at least.
Steve Bruce is a surprisingly short 4/1 but with the Hull boss renowned for jumping ship and being linked to the vacant-ish Fulham job he could prove a dark horse.
Making up the front four is Gustavo Poyet at 5/1 and that price on any manager losing 8-0 in recent weeks in not to be sniffed at!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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