Club Issues Statement Of Facts Over Lambert Affair

Colchester United have his afternoon recalled before a press conference, through chief executive Steve Bradshaw, what they called a ‘statement of the facts.’

The club promised to contact the Football League about a tribunal if satisfactory compensation for Paul Lambert is not agreed between themselves and Norwich City following his shock managerial depature this morning. They said the move was in breach of FL regulation 20.

The statement, as it was broadcast on BBC Radio Essex, appears thus:

“This is a statement of fact. The club received a phone call from Norwich City Chairman, Alan Bowkett, on Saturday after the game requesting the opportunity to appoint Paul. We did think it was a bit of a strange request at the time because clubs usually ask permission to interview managers first.

After that, several conversations were held with Paul Lambert over the weekend regarding the request. Clearly we had lots of conversations with Paul about what the football club wanted to say and to applaud the great work that the team`s done over the past year.

After that, Mr. Cowling agreed that Paul would be able to speak to Norwich only if we could agree a compensation figure that matched his ability. After conversations with the chief executive of Norwich, Mr. Cowling turned down the request for permission to talk to Paul.

Clearly Paul was very frustrated and that the clubs couldn`t make an agreement. He did find it difficult, he said, at that point to focus on the job in hand at Colchester.

Reluctantly, Mr. Cowling allowed for Mr. Lambert to speak to Norwich but only on the proviso that they did not induce him to directly or indirectly breech his contract until a compression figure was agreed.

Paul Lambert offered his resignation on Monday evening – Mr. Cowling did not accept it and two other members of staff, Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa resigned this morning.

That`s simply a factual statement of what we understand and we have a great respect for Paul and everything that he`s done. He has literately turned the club around. We want to thank Paul for his effort work-rate and commitment to making the club the best it can be.”

More news and reaction to follow…





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