Vote of confidence for Lennie

Last updated : 16 December 2004 By Michael Morris
Sam Hammam has backed under pressure boss Lennie Lawrence at the same time as critisising our current plight.

Sam also said that no money would be available until the stadium goes ahead and again stated we will not be relegated.

The most pressing is is the manager, polls on here and in the local papers resulted in over 90% of City fans wanting a change.

"There is a campaign against Lennie Lawrence and that's understandable," Hammam told the Western Mail.

"But I know a good manager when I see one and Lennie is a very good manager. He is technically and tactically sound.

"When I give a manager a job I don't make any promises on how long he will stay - it could be five years, it could be10 years or it could be no more than a second.

"If I bring in a new manager now what will he do? What can he offer that Lennie cannot offer? A new manager will come in and say, 'I don't like that player or that player.' He will want to change six, 12 or maybe even 15 players.

"But I won't spend another penny on the team until work on the stadium starts. Because work hasn't started yet, I don't have a budget. So I feel changing the manager won't do anything."

Unless there is a very quick upturn in form and results then Sam may have to think again. Defeat this weekend will see the campaign against Lawrence intensify.

"Yes, Lennie hasn't done what he should have done this season. Our league position is unacceptable," Hammam continued.

"Since becoming manager, he has signed Alan Lee, Andy Campbell, Tony Vidmar, Chris Barker, Gary Croft, Tony Warner, Richard Langley, Paul Parry, Lee Bullock, Robert Page, Darren Williams and Jobi McAnuff. So the team we have is his team.

"After spending the amount of money we have on wages and transfer fees, I don't expect to be two points above the relegation zone.

"The criticism Lennie has received is understandable. But I will give him more time. I trust his technical ability."