PAUL LAMBERT would welcome an approach from Motherwell regarding their vacant managerial position, saying that he would consider taking over at Fir Park if he was asked the question by his former club.
Lambert spent three years at the club in the 1990s as part of a high-flying Motherwell side that challenged Rangers for the league title before narrowly falling short two seasons in succession, and he retains fond memories of the time he spent in Lanarkshire.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Celtic midfielder has taken some time out of the dugout since leaving Ipswich Town in February last year, turning down approaches from several English clubs, but he now feels ready to get back into the game.
“I don’t think you can ever rule anything out,” Lambert said.
“There have been jobs I have looked at down south and felt they weren’t right for me, but I gave the people the courtesy of talking to them.
“I never ever turned anyone down flat or refused to speak to them, I’ve spoken to a few and the timing just wasn’t quite right for me to come back in.
“I’ve just returned from Dortmund where I was meeting the Champions League team and I’ve been moving house, so I honestly haven’t thought about it.
“But I do know that I want to get back into the game, and now I will be starting to look to see what is out there.
“I know the situation with Motherwell and what happened with Graham (Alexander), so I understand all of that.
“Maybe it’s a case of people putting two and two together and thinking that because I’m not working and have an affiliation with the club then I might look at it, but until I’m asked, I can never say whether I would say yes or no. People have to ask you.
“It’s always been a good club, Motherwell. I really enjoyed my time there, I really did. We had a right good side and a right good manager in Tommy McLean, and then in big Alex McLeish as well.
“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the club. It’s always been a good club and I always look out for how their results go.”
Lambert hasn’t managed in Scotland since moving to Wycombe Wanderers from Livingston back in 2006, spending the rest of his managerial career in England at Colchester United, Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City before taking charge of Ipswich.
But a return north of the border would appeal to him given the strength of the Scottish game at present.
“I would consider it,” he said. “Football is football.
“The game in Scotland is looking strong at the moment. The national team is in a good place, there are some really good players around at the minute.
“Celtic are strong, Rangers obviously had their run to the Europa League Final last season, so they’re strong.
“It’s pretty much a similar situation as when I played. Celtic and Rangers were at the top, and it’s hard for anyone else to split that because of resources.
“But I think overall the Scottish game has certainly picked up in the last few years.”
