Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has hailed Southampton centre forward Rickie Lambert, after the Southampton talisman has impressed during his time on the South Coast.
Pardew signed Lambert in 2009 from Bristol Rovers, when Pardew was manager of the then League One Southampton.
Fast forward to the present day and Lambert, who turns 32 in February, is not only a key element of Southampton’s Premier League attack but seems set to be part of England’s World Cup squad next summer in Brazil, as England look for a successful campaign.
Lambert’s call up is not a surprise to those who have watched his career closely at Southampton, as the Liverpool born striker scored vital goals which gave the Saints promotion from League One, to the Championship, then onto the Premier League as he starred for Southampton last term, before impressing for the Saints under Mauricio Pochettino, as Southampton pudh for Europe with a very impressive strong squad.
I think Rickie will go to Brazil,” said Pardew, now in charge of Newcastle United, a team aiming to prevent Lambert and friends from scoring at St James’ Park in a Premier League game on Saturday, as both sides have impressed in this current season.
Pardew stated…..
“I never believed Rickie was too old to make it. His technical ability was always immense but he’s certainly improved since I had him.”
here was a reason why Lambert spent so much of his career in lower league and non-league habitats. “I think he would admit that perhaps his lifestyle let him down a little bit and he liked a pint and a pie,” said Pardew. “I had a couple of long chats with him about it. I remember saying: ‘I’ve just paid £1m for you. I’ve put my neck on the line a little bit here at this level; you better get that in order.’
“But we had a good sports science team at Southampton and that helped him. I’m not sure he was getting the right guidance before and maybe there were people who were a bit loose round him. He certainly looks a meaner, finer-looking specimen now as a player than he did even when he was with me. I’ve heard he still has a large collection of friends but I think now he just gives them money and sends them into the pub while he stands outside with the crisps.
Pardew went onto praise Lambet’s goal scoring record, and has stated his lower league experience has improved him both as a player, but as a person in general.
The Newcastle United manager then went onto speak about his managerial days at West Ham United, and the high profile coup regarding the transfer of both Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, now both plying their trade at Juventus and Barcelona respectively…..but admitted Lambert could have easilly played in that squad.
“Back then I never thought he’d play for England but I did tell him he could get to the Premier League. I’d managed there with West Ham. I’d coached Carlos Tevez and Dean Ashton and I thought he could definitely have played in my West Ham team”.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
