Paul Lambert expecting Wigan Athletic to provide '˜difficult' test for Ipswich Town

Paul Lambert admits Wigan Athletic will present a '˜difficult' test for his Ipswich side this weekend, writes Paul Kendrick.
Paul LambertPaul Lambert
Paul Lambert

But with the Tractor Boys already EIGHT points adrift of the safety mark, Lambert – who recently replaced Paul Hurst in the hotseat – accepts it’s a game his side have to win.

“If I was here at the start of the season and you asked me that I would have given you the same answer – every game’s a must-win,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve never played any where it’s not been, whether it’s in August or April.

“You have to try and win games and this is no different to the first.

“Wigan have done well and it’s a difficult game, but we’re at home and we’re playing well.

“That’s the thing we have, we’re playing well, and if we keep the form going it’s turning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have to keep doing what we’re doing and let’s see what happens.”

Lambert doesn’t have much previous with opposite number Paul Cook, but Joe Royle – who was recently added to the Latics board following the takeover by International Entertainment Corporation – is a former Ipswich manager.

“Joe’s brilliant, a brilliant stature in the game,” enthused Lambert.

“He’s been an ex-manager here, but Joe’s stature on both sides of the game is huge.

“And I’m sure he will get a nice hello from everybody.”

“I don’t really know Paul, I’ve only met him a couple of times, but he seems to have done a good job.

“But I’m more focussed on us and what we’re going to do.”