It was May 2011, and his team had sealed the deal with a game to spare. Shortly before a jovial briefing wrapped up, the Scot was asked if he wanted to finish with a victory against mid-table Coventry.
“I honestly couldn’t care if we lose 46-0,” he shrugged. “Those players have been partying for goodness knows how long – and I’d have done the same if I could still play the game. They deserve it.”
Reminded that EFL rules prohibited the deliberate weakening of a starting XI, Lambert’s response was withering. “We’ve earned the right to play who we want,” he said. “It’s none of their f***ing business.”
Vincent Kompany is a rather less forthright character, but even the mild-mannered Belgian must have reached for the expletives when Huddersfield kicked up a stink about his team selection against Reading two weeks ago.
The Terriers complained to the EFL after Kompany - whose Burnley side won promotion three weeks ago - made six changes for the trip to the Madejski.
A 0-0 draw saw Reading, in 22nd, move to within a point of Huddersfield in the battle to avoid relegation.
Denne historien er fra April 30, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 30, 2023-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.