x

Lambert: It's an Absolute Disgrace - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Paul Lambert has doubled down on his criticism of the EFL for a lack of leadership, branding the current indecision regarding the future of League One “an absolute disgrace”. The Town manager added that he doesn’t expect the campaign to resume and gives short shrift the extended play-off proposal.

Lambert hit out at the EFL in a 5 Live interview on Monday and has reiterated that condemnation for the way they have handled the fallout from the coronavirus crisis.

"I think it's an absolute disgrace what's happening, with League One especially,” Lambert told the Daily Mail.

"It's terrible, it's so wrong that they haven't told us what is going on. There are so many unanswered questions and it seems there is so much passing the buck here and there.

"Will someone just make a decision? It's badly lacking leadership. They should be saying, ‘We can't make everyone happy, but here is the decision that we think is best for now’.

"You might not keep everyone happy but at least we can all get our head around it and make plans, be that playing the season now or ending it and not coming back until September or whenever.

"This in-fighting, what's happening here or there or who wants what, that's no good for me, it's not a nice situation.”

As revealed by TWTD at start of last month, most of Town’s staff are on furlough at present.

And as things stand, the players are due back at the club to train on or after May 25th but Lambert says that’s not particularly useful with no date for a resumption set.

"You can't take people off furlough if no one else in the division is going to do it and games aren't going to be played,” Lambert continued. "We can't have a training date if we don't have a start date.

"Football is one organisation - why are we not singing from the same hymn sheet? What's different? It's the same game, the same ball. It should be one organisation saying, ‘This is what we have to do’.

"Personally, I would love to finish, if it is safe to do so. We have five home games left and could finish well. But, looking at it, I don't see how that's going to happen now.”

As in his previous interview, Lambert says the Premier League should help clubs in the lower leagues.

"I'd like to see more financial help filtering down from the Premier League,” he said. "They've done that in Germany, eight million euros to help with testing.

"The Premier League is the richest league in the world. If you don't help these clubs down there, what's going to happen to them? These clubs are vital to the communities.

"If you're sitting up there at the top in the Premier League, why not give a little bit to help them through this? It's not right.”

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has proposed extending the play-offs to eight teams, those placed from third to 10th, but Lambert isn’t a fan of the suggestion.

"The top 10 having a play-off idea, I don't know who is coming up with these,” he added. "They must lie at night and come up with another great idea and just put it out there. I mean, that one about turning your face away when you tackle, come on?

"What we need here is some clear thinking and decisive decision-making, and we need it now.”

Even if the 23 clubs agree to extend the play-offs, Town seem unlikely to be involved. Although they are currently 10th in the table, under a points per game or weighted points per game calculation - the methods of deciding positions the EFL is understood to favour - they would drop to 11th.

The EFL board meets on Wednesday with the clubs set to vote on proposals aimed at resolving the situation on Thursday or Friday.

What to read next:

Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.
Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.