Ipswich Town were plunged into further disarray today as manager Paul Lambert refused to answer salient questions about comments he made recently.
The Tractor Boys are enduring a torrid season, languishing eleventh in the table, five points outside the top six and 13 points off leaders Lincoln City. After drawing 0-0 with Northampton Town in midweek, pressure has been increasing on the beleaguered manager, who exiled Jon Nolan and Kayden Jackson to the Under 23s. He refused to be drawn too far on why the two were exiled, instead saying: “I need players that are going to dig in. We’re in a real hard moment and you need players that are going to dig in. I’m not having it. I’ve never had any player do that.
“I’m not naming names or anything like that. But I’ve never had any player at any level – and I’ve played at the top level and managed at the top level – and I’ve never had anybody saying that to me.”
East Anglian Daly Time journalist Stuart Watson attempted to get some clarity on the situation today, but Lambert refused point-blank to answer his questions, threatening to walk out of the virtual press conference if he were pushed further.
He was also asked to respond to comments he made after the Northampton game, where he was asked what was wrong with the club. His reply was: “It’s everything. For me, it’s everything. I’m not sure. The structure… everything. It’s not right, 100 per cent, the structure.”
Those comments left some ambiguity as to exactly which areas he meant, so again he was pressed on the issue. Again, the reply was dismissive, leaving journalist Watson to wrap up the interview.
It’s fair to say Lambert is not a popular figure at Portman Road right now. Fans have protested at training, letting off flairs, and since been labelled as ‘not real fans’ by the manager. That, along with the recent comments, have left Ipswich fans furious on social media. Given the number of people commenting, it is fair to say that they represent a cross-section of support too, which is dissatisfied and disillusioned.
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Lambert like the club in general needs to learn your past counts for nothing if your inept in the present. His attitude is embarrasing
— Adam Wade (@theadamwade) February 19, 2021
Fair enough Adam, as I say looking at it from outside Iooks like the players at fault . The club sounds like it's rotten to the core at the moment , just as well no fans are allowed in. I'm a Brighton fan so know how toxic things can get when the club you support is being ruined
— John Williams (@JonnyBoy1961) February 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/_____ITFC/status/1362759441867829251
Mate, lambert is not only an awful awful manager but he is completely nuts as well! How’s he still here? Embarrassing
— Robbie (@Robsmudge81) February 19, 2021
https://twitter.com/3trinitythree/status/1362713452893069315
Ignore him ducking the question, this gives fans confidence that you guys are trying to hold him accountable. Appreciate you sharing. It’s almost better for social media reaction and clicks that generates that he didn’t answer! But reading between the lines, he hates Lee O’Neill!
— Josh Carson (@JoshCarson10) February 19, 2021
Honestly embarrassing listening to him carry on like he is. And you know so many people at the club will know that. We’re in total disarray.
— Hen Cowen (@HMLCowen) February 19, 2021
Is this for real..!! The frustration is that we as supporters feel our voice continues to go unnoticed and unheard. Is Evans actually going to do or say anything at all?? Bring back the days when the club was run from Portman Rd as opposed to an office somewhere in London.
— Ant Batchelor (@Tony41b) February 19, 2021
