Former Colchester United manager Paul Lambert has returned to Borussia Dortmund in a new capacity, taking over as the club’s technical director for Asia and the Pacific region.
The 55-year-old, who played a pivotal role in Dortmund’s 1997 Champions League triumph, will be responsible for fostering relationships with clubs across the region, with a particular focus on youth development and football partnerships.
New Challenge in Australia
Lambert is expected to be based in Australia as part of his role, overseeing Borussia Dortmund’s football outreach and development across Asia and the Pacific.
Announcing his new position on LinkedIn, Lambert expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge:
“Thrilled to announce my new role as Technical Director, Asia-Pacific, for Borussia Dortmund Football Club (BVB). This is an exciting opportunity to extend BVB’s renowned youth development philosophy across the region, building strong partnerships, activating existing sporting relationships, and delivering coaching expertise that helps young talent thrive both on and off the field.”
Lambert also revealed that he had already begun working on Dortmund’s projects, recently visiting Chennai as part of a cultural exchange involving Australian side Wynnum Wolves FC and the Murugappa Youth Football Academy.
First Role Since Ipswich Town Exit
This is Lambert’s first managerial role since leaving Ipswich Town in February 2021, after two and a half years at Portman Road. Before that, he held several managerial posts, including stints at Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, and Wolves.
Lambert previously managed Colchester United between 2008 and 2009, before guiding Norwich City to promotion to the Premier League.
His deep-rooted connection with Borussia Dortmund stems from his playing days, when he starred in midfield for the German giants in their victorious Champions League campaign in 1996-97. He became the first British player to win the Champions League with a non-British club, lifting the trophy with Dortmund. He then moved to Celtic, winning four Scottish league titles.
As a manager, Lambert guided Norwich City to back-to-back promotions into the Premier League. He later managed Aston Villa, Wolves, Blackburn, and Stoke, among others. His managerial career has been a mix of success and struggle, often taking on challenging roles in English and Scottish football.
Writer’s View
Lambert’s move into a developmental role at Borussia Dortmund marks an intriguing shift from management to football operations. His extensive experience in coaching and player development, coupled with his long-standing ties to Dortmund, make him a valuable asset for the club’s global expansion strategy. With the growing influence of European clubs in the Asia-Pacific region, his role could be instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent while strengthening Dortmund’s presence in international football.
