10 Reasons Paul Lambert Is the Most Underrated Coach in Football

Norwich City supporters need no telling how good a manager Paul Lambert is. However, does the football world at large realize how good this man is?

I suspect that they don't, and a lot of his achievements are brushed off, because they have occurred in the lower leagues. In some ways, it suits Norwich City for Lambert to stay under the radar, because the last thing they want is a big club coming in.

The fact remains that the the Canaries' manager deserves a huge amount of credit for the job that he has done.

So, with that in mind, I am compiling this slideshow on 10 truly great strengths this great manager has.

Man Management

Paul Lambert recognizes that every player is an individual. No one player reacts the same way to situations.

The best managers treat players differently and gets to know every player to learn what makes them tick. Team spirit is vital to a club like Norwich, so the manager needs to ensure that every player is happy.

A prime example of this was shown in the situation revolving around Tom Adeyemi. As it has been reported, Adeyemi was racially abused while playing for Oldham in a cup match against Liverpool.

Adeyemi is, of course, a Norwich City player on loan at Oldham. Paul Lambert needed to make sure his lad was OK, so he phoned him up to check.

A fine example of excellent man in management.

Getting the Best out of Lower League Players

Paul Lambert's transfer policy has gone against the grain to a certain extent.

The Norwich City manager has chosen to fill his squad with talented players from the lower leagues.

Preseason predictions suggested that the Canaries would be found out for their lack of Premier League experience.

However, that hasn't happened, and Lambert has been able to capture every bit of ability from these players. The end result is a squad that does not look at all out of place in the Premier League.

If Paul Lambert can continue this trend between now and the end of the season, then the thinking on Premier League experience may have to change.

However, it should be noted it takes a special manager to identify the players who can make the step up, and then, get all the potential out.

Timings of Subs

Some people may count this down to luck, however, when something keeps happening, then it can't purely be a matter of luck. Therefore, I put it down to managerial instinct.

Simeon Jackson made a goalscoring introduction in December against Wolves, while Steve Morison scored goals from the bench against QPR and Burnley.

Clearly, he's not going to get it right all the time, but more often than not, he does.

Tactics

It's clear that Paul Lambert recognizes that no two games are the same and the importance of having a game plan for each and every game.

The Norwich City manager has utilized his squad to the fullest and used a number of different formations and tactics.

Some people may interpret that to mean he doesn't know his best team of system.

However, the reality is just setting the team up in the right way depending on the opposition.  

Humble in Victory and Gracious in Defeat

Paul Lambert is a perfect example of this expression.

When he wins a game, he quickly points to the players and the fact that they deserve credit for the result.

In the rare occasions that he loses a game he doesn't make excuses or complain about refereeing decisions. Instead, he focuses on the fact that his players gave everything and the result just went against them today.

Lambert is the sort of man that stays grounded, and that much rubs off on the players as well. Norwich City will not get carried away with any one result as long as Lambert is here.

Plays Football in the Right Way

Paul Lambert may be driven by results and winning football matches, but he also wants to entertain the fans and play attractive football.

The signings he has made suggests that he likes to play football with the use of players that can pass the ball and wingers that can cause problems.

A player like Wes Hoolahan wouldn't really be suited to a team that plays direct football.

The fact that Lambert has used him regularly offers a clue on the type of football he likes to play. 

Understands the Importance of the Supporters

There's hardly an interview with Lambert that goes by where he does not mention the incredible support that the club gets.

It was clearly a big factor in persuading him to become the manager in the first place, and one suspects that will be a strong factor in keeping him here.

Most times, 26,000 supporters are regularly packed into Carrow Road, and thousands follow the team away from home.

Some previous managers have treated the supporters with respect, but Lambert certainly does.  

Spends Money Wisely

Many managers have signed unknown foreign players in the past, and in many cases, this has led to relegation. Lambert has very sensibly decided to not risk the club's future on foreign imports.

The board can now feel that any money that he's given will be spent wisely. The Norwich City manager understands the importance of establishing the Canaries in the Premier League, before taking on any risky signings.

It's likely that Lambert will have to look at the foreign market at some point, but when he makes that move, the careful way he has signed players suggests he will get it right.

For now, Lambert is happy to sign young and hungry British-based players.

Keeping Realistic Expectations

Lambert calmed expectations after a 1-1 draw against Fulham; he reminded fans that Fulham are a very good side, and the priority this season was survival.

This is something that he also did last season in the championship. It's all about taking one game at a time and not getting to far ahead.

Lambert hardly mentioned promotion until Norwich were virtually over the line.

This season, he will know that there is every chance of a top-half finish.

However, first of all, he will want 40 points on the board and will only mention the top half of the Premier League table when they are still there with one or two games to go.

Being Positive

Norwich City never know when they're beaten, and it's obvious Lambert hates losing. However, the Canaries keep going in every match.

Late goals were the story of the season last year, and this season they have also showed their ability to score late and stay in games.

Lambert is not the sort of manager to accept defeat and will always make positive attacking changes to try and get back into games.

It's a refreshing change from all the managers who are way too negative today.

Follow James Kent on Twitter for all his latest updates.