" Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 12:09 pm
How Lambert & Ken Choo played football in the office as they waited on West Brom clearance and the clock ticked... then it was a McDonald's to celebrate as deal done!
By Paul Abbandanato
Finally, at 10.40pm and with just 20 minutes to spare, West Brom contacted the Bluebirds to say Lambert was officially their player.
The full drama behind Rickie Lambert's 11th hour move to Cardiff City can be revealed today after the Bluebirds received the go-ahead to sign him with literally just minutes to go before the transfer window closed.
The Bluebirds were left sweating on whether they could unveil Lambert as their prize August capture when clearance from West Brom finally came through deep into the night at Cardiff City Stadium.
As they nervously whiled away the hours, waiting for the phone to ring, Lambert kicked a football around in chief executive Ken Choo's office with the clock ticking towards 11pm.
Then, at 10.40pm, came the news from Tony Pulis in the Midlands that his striker could formally become a Bluebird.
The men involved in the deal, suddenly realising how hungry they were, celebrated with a short trip across the car park at the Leckwith retail park where they tucked into a McDonald's. Deal finally done and dusted, it was their first chance to eat that evening.... and there weren't too many places open that time of night!
Everything considered, it left the Bluebirds feeling they have had an excellent summer transfer window.
It was the millions trimmed off the budget by the departures of expensive flops Le Fondre, Macheda and Dikgacoi that paved the way for the bold capture of Lambert.
Choo had spent weeks of meetings with that trio and their representatives attempting to smooth the path for them to agree to their Cardiff contracts terminating. Financial agreements had to be struck, but the trio were earning bumper wages and not playing, so one by one mutual settlement exit deals were done.
In the knowledge that had finally happened, with Le Fondre the last to go to Wigan on Wednesday morning, the Bluebirds hierarchy set about their priority of landing a striker.
They had been heavily linked with Norwich's Kyle Lafferty, but by noon on the final day of the transfer window Cardiff were down to two main choices - Lambert and Wales Euro 2016 ace Hal Robson-Kanu.
There were only 11 hours to go before the transfer window closed at 11pm and, having spoken to Pulis about Lambert, Cardiff were waiting on West Brom landing a striker themselves before they would let the ex-England man go.
Second choice Robson-Kanu was on Trollope's doorstep, training with Wales ahead of their World Cup opener with Moldova. As a free agent, Cardiff could nip over and talk to him, but Lambert was the man the Bluebirds really wanted.
Then, in one of those incredible twists of fate only football seems to throw up, West Brom made their move for their own new striker - Robson-Kanu himself. As the Wales front-man headed up to the Midlands for talks, Lambert jumped in the car and travelled the other way, arriving in Cardiff with his agent close to tea-time.
He was welcomed and went into a private room for immediate negotiations with Choo, with Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman also involved by phone and owner Vincent Tan kept fully in the loop even though it was midnight out in Malaysia.
In no time, agreement had been reached. Cardiff won't divulge any figures, but it is believed the whole package has cost them around £2m. The initial plan was for Lambert to sign on a season loan with a view to a permanent deal. In the end, Cardiff got their man full stop.
Lambert took his medical and, while there was still daylight, posed for separate photographs with Trollope and Choo, holding his new Bluebirds number 19 shirt.
But the pictures could not be released, and no announcement made, until West Brom and the Premier League officially sanctioned the move.
The clock was ticking. The Premier League permit a two-hour extension past the closure of the window, provided a club asks for it and initial forms are signed and faxed off.
Cardiff were confident on Lambert so didn't request the extension. So it was 11pm or bust... and the hours began to disappear.
Various phone calls were made and e-mails sent, but West Brom needed to nail Robson-Kanu formally themselves before they would release Lambert.
Cardiff City Stadium was a buzz of chatter, with most of the administration staff present deep into the night, as well as Choo, Trollope and the manager's coaching staff.
However, 7pm passed with no deal. 8pm went, no deal. 9pm, 10pm. The Bluebirds knew they would land their man, but were cutting it fine.
Choo smiles: "I even ended up playing football with Rickie in my office as we were kept waiting. It was 10.30pm. There he was, kicking a ball at me and me passing back to him!
"It was great fun actually, we had a good laugh. Well, we had to do something to pass the time."
Finally, at 10.40pm and with just 20 minutes to spare, West Brom contacted the Bluebirds to say Lambert was officially their player.
The button could be pressed on a story the Bluebirds media staff had prepared saying they were delighted to announce the signing of Lambert.
Of the day's events, Choo reflects: "I suppose it's what the drama of transfer day is about, but we were absolutely delighted to get there in the end.
"It wasn't easy, but Rickie is a really good signing for our club".
"It took a lot of hard work to get him here, although not because of the player, I must stress. Rickie wanted to come to us and from the very first discussions he was good as gold. He sees Cardiff as a very positive move for him.
"It's just that movement within Premier League clubs on other transfers meant this went to the last 20 minutes.
"But we're delighted to land Rickie. Vincent Tan agreed to sanction the deal financially, which again demonstrates his commitment to Cardiff City.
"I think the whole transfer window was a great success for the club. We executed everything we planned, cutting back on costs we wanted to and signing the players we needed."
Lambert deal done, sweaty palms having disappeared, the team that had put together the transfer finally turned off the lights and left Cardiff City Stadium at 11.15pm - suddenly realising they hadn't eaten.
Across the road from the ground, as Bluebirds fans knows, is McDonalds.
Burger and chips was suddenly the toast of the day as Cardiff's staff tucked in to celebrate the signing of Rickie Lambert.
By Paul Abbandanato
Finally, at 10.40pm and with just 20 minutes to spare, West Brom contacted the Bluebirds to say Lambert was officially their player.
The full drama behind Rickie Lambert's 11th hour move to Cardiff City can be revealed today after the Bluebirds received the go-ahead to sign him with literally just minutes to go before the transfer window closed.
The Bluebirds were left sweating on whether they could unveil Lambert as their prize August capture when clearance from West Brom finally came through deep into the night at Cardiff City Stadium.
As they nervously whiled away the hours, waiting for the phone to ring, Lambert kicked a football around in chief executive Ken Choo's office with the clock ticking towards 11pm.
Then, at 10.40pm, came the news from Tony Pulis in the Midlands that his striker could formally become a Bluebird.
The men involved in the deal, suddenly realising how hungry they were, celebrated with a short trip across the car park at the Leckwith retail park where they tucked into a McDonald's. Deal finally done and dusted, it was their first chance to eat that evening.... and there weren't too many places open that time of night!
Everything considered, it left the Bluebirds feeling they have had an excellent summer transfer window.
It was the millions trimmed off the budget by the departures of expensive flops Le Fondre, Macheda and Dikgacoi that paved the way for the bold capture of Lambert.
Choo had spent weeks of meetings with that trio and their representatives attempting to smooth the path for them to agree to their Cardiff contracts terminating. Financial agreements had to be struck, but the trio were earning bumper wages and not playing, so one by one mutual settlement exit deals were done.
In the knowledge that had finally happened, with Le Fondre the last to go to Wigan on Wednesday morning, the Bluebirds hierarchy set about their priority of landing a striker.
They had been heavily linked with Norwich's Kyle Lafferty, but by noon on the final day of the transfer window Cardiff were down to two main choices - Lambert and Wales Euro 2016 ace Hal Robson-Kanu.
There were only 11 hours to go before the transfer window closed at 11pm and, having spoken to Pulis about Lambert, Cardiff were waiting on West Brom landing a striker themselves before they would let the ex-England man go.
Second choice Robson-Kanu was on Trollope's doorstep, training with Wales ahead of their World Cup opener with Moldova. As a free agent, Cardiff could nip over and talk to him, but Lambert was the man the Bluebirds really wanted.
Then, in one of those incredible twists of fate only football seems to throw up, West Brom made their move for their own new striker - Robson-Kanu himself. As the Wales front-man headed up to the Midlands for talks, Lambert jumped in the car and travelled the other way, arriving in Cardiff with his agent close to tea-time.
He was welcomed and went into a private room for immediate negotiations with Choo, with Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman also involved by phone and owner Vincent Tan kept fully in the loop even though it was midnight out in Malaysia.
In no time, agreement had been reached. Cardiff won't divulge any figures, but it is believed the whole package has cost them around £2m. The initial plan was for Lambert to sign on a season loan with a view to a permanent deal. In the end, Cardiff got their man full stop.
Lambert took his medical and, while there was still daylight, posed for separate photographs with Trollope and Choo, holding his new Bluebirds number 19 shirt.
But the pictures could not be released, and no announcement made, until West Brom and the Premier League officially sanctioned the move.
The clock was ticking. The Premier League permit a two-hour extension past the closure of the window, provided a club asks for it and initial forms are signed and faxed off.
Cardiff were confident on Lambert so didn't request the extension. So it was 11pm or bust... and the hours began to disappear.
Various phone calls were made and e-mails sent, but West Brom needed to nail Robson-Kanu formally themselves before they would release Lambert.
Cardiff City Stadium was a buzz of chatter, with most of the administration staff present deep into the night, as well as Choo, Trollope and the manager's coaching staff.
However, 7pm passed with no deal. 8pm went, no deal. 9pm, 10pm. The Bluebirds knew they would land their man, but were cutting it fine.
Choo smiles: "I even ended up playing football with Rickie in my office as we were kept waiting. It was 10.30pm. There he was, kicking a ball at me and me passing back to him!
"It was great fun actually, we had a good laugh. Well, we had to do something to pass the time."
Finally, at 10.40pm and with just 20 minutes to spare, West Brom contacted the Bluebirds to say Lambert was officially their player.
The button could be pressed on a story the Bluebirds media staff had prepared saying they were delighted to announce the signing of Lambert.
Of the day's events, Choo reflects: "I suppose it's what the drama of transfer day is about, but we were absolutely delighted to get there in the end.
"It wasn't easy, but Rickie is a really good signing for our club".
"It took a lot of hard work to get him here, although not because of the player, I must stress. Rickie wanted to come to us and from the very first discussions he was good as gold. He sees Cardiff as a very positive move for him.
"It's just that movement within Premier League clubs on other transfers meant this went to the last 20 minutes.
"But we're delighted to land Rickie. Vincent Tan agreed to sanction the deal financially, which again demonstrates his commitment to Cardiff City.
"I think the whole transfer window was a great success for the club. We executed everything we planned, cutting back on costs we wanted to and signing the players we needed."
Lambert deal done, sweaty palms having disappeared, the team that had put together the transfer finally turned off the lights and left Cardiff City Stadium at 11.15pm - suddenly realising they hadn't eaten.
Across the road from the ground, as Bluebirds fans knows, is McDonalds.
Burger and chips was suddenly the toast of the day as Cardiff's staff tucked in to celebrate the signing of Rickie Lambert.
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Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Thu Sep 01, 2016 12:22 pm
good read that and it's good news Ricky wants to be here obviously I think him and Trollope get on
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Thu Sep 01, 2016 12:32 pm
Some really good business by Cardiff and if we can play to his strengths then hopefully we can gather some momentum.
Well done City for offloading our expensive flops although it was a shame that Marshall and Fabio had to be sacrificed in the process, however I understand that's the commercial nature of where we are today.
Now Cardiff fans do your bit and support your team
Well done City for offloading our expensive flops although it was a shame that Marshall and Fabio had to be sacrificed in the process, however I understand that's the commercial nature of where we are today.
Now Cardiff fans do your bit and support your team
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Thu Sep 01, 2016 12:36 pm
Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Lambert to score on his debut!
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Thu Sep 01, 2016 12:37 pm
It just proves don't listen to rumours, wait until its all done.
We first heard ,Lambert couldn't agree terms , talks had broken down ,he didn't want to come to Cardiff .
All sorts of stories , but here we have it ,WBA were holding things up .
I think he will be a good signing and I'm looking forward to seeing him getting up to speed and finishing off some of the chances our other strikers have squandered over the last 5 games . As for him not being fast , well he never has been , but he has that goalscoring instinct , and that's what we have been missing for a long time .
We first heard ,Lambert couldn't agree terms , talks had broken down ,he didn't want to come to Cardiff .
All sorts of stories , but here we have it ,WBA were holding things up .
I think he will be a good signing and I'm looking forward to seeing him getting up to speed and finishing off some of the chances our other strikers have squandered over the last 5 games . As for him not being fast , well he never has been , but he has that goalscoring instinct , and that's what we have been missing for a long time .
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Thu Sep 01, 2016 12:42 pm
Was Dikgacoi in McDonalds?
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 1:09 pm
Finally, at 10.40pm and with just 20 minutes to spare, West Brom contacted the Bluebirds to say Lambert was officially their player.
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Thu Sep 01, 2016 1:11 pm
nojac wrote:It just proves don't listen to rumours, wait until its all done.
We first heard ,Lambert couldn't agree terms , talks had broken down ,he didn't want to come to Cardiff .
All sorts of stories , but here we have it ,WBA were holding things up .
I think he will be a good signing and I'm looking forward to seeing him getting up to speed and finishing off some of the chances our other strikers have squandered over the last 5 games . As for him not being fast , well he never has been , but he has that goalscoring instinct , and that's what we have been missing for a long time .
No one ever said he did not want to come, it was said it would go down to the wire and there were hold ups, they are never going to say Lambert had to think about other offers, if there were any.
Only 10.40pm last night Rickie Lambert became a Cardiff City player.
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 1:47 pm
More happier knowing that Lambert and Trollope worked together so this nonsense of the board signing players on the back of Trollope is not all true.
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 1:58 pm
DandoCCFC wrote:More happier knowing that Lambert and Trollope worked together so this nonsense of the board signing players on the back of Trollope is not all true.
Many players are the boards and many are Trollopes as long as in the budget, if you read what I put out it says virtually that
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 1:59 pm
Forever Blue wrote:DandoCCFC wrote:More happier knowing that Lambert and Trollope worked together so this nonsense of the board signing players on the back of Trollope is not all true.
Many players are the boards and many are Trollopes as long as in the budget, if you read what I put out it says virtually that
I know Annis, just pointing out there are some supporters that still say every player that comes in is the boards where some are actually the managers/head coaches.
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 2:56 pm
Every time he gets the ball
We all hope he gonna score
Then you'll see us all
Doing the Lambert walk!!!
We all hope he gonna score
Then you'll see us all
Doing the Lambert walk!!!
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 3:46 pm
Actually got goosebumps when I read Lambert really wanted this move, this to me says he’s a proven striker who wants 1 more crack at the bigtime and will give everything for the no 19 shirt.
Welcome to Cardiff Rickie
Welcome to Cardiff Rickie
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Thu Sep 01, 2016 10:39 pm
Wolfpac wrote:Actually got goosebumps when I read Lambert really wanted this move, this to me says he’s a proven striker who wants 1 more crack at the bigtime and will give everything for the no 19 shirt.
Welcome to Cardiff Rickie
We are very lucky to have a Striker of Lamberts class, although 34 he can still do some serious damage in this division and im sure it will lift the spirits of all of the squad. They just need to pull their fingers out of their arses and give the man the decent service he and the fans deserve!
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Fri Sep 02, 2016 11:34 am
I think this is our biggest coup in the championship since Bellamy.
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Fri Sep 02, 2016 1:52 pm
Rydogsccfc wrote:I think this is our biggest coup in the championship since Bellamy.
Bigger than Saadi or even Slade?
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Fri Sep 02, 2016 4:04 pm
Steve Zodiak wrote:Rydogsccfc wrote:I think this is our biggest coup in the championship since Bellamy.
Bigger than Saadi or even Slade?
Slade was his god and Saadi was his messiah.
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Fri Sep 02, 2016 4:23 pm
nubbsy wrote:Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Would love it to happen but with the likelihood of the debut being away game to Norwich then maybe his 2nd or 3rd game. Hope your right I'm wrong
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Fri Sep 02, 2016 4:41 pm
gwentbluebirds wrote:nubbsy wrote:Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Would love it to happen but with the likelihood of the debut being away game to Norwich then maybe his 2nd or 3rd game. Hope your right I'm wrong
Why not Norwich? I remember the mighty Alex Revell scoring on his debut for Cardiff away to Norwich.
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Fri Sep 02, 2016 6:47 pm
norms76 wrote:gwentbluebirds wrote:nubbsy wrote:Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Would love it to happen but with the likelihood of the debut being away game to Norwich then maybe his 2nd or 3rd game. Hope your right I'm wrong
Why not Norwich? I remember the mighty Alex Revell scoring on his debut for Cardiff away to Norwich.
Yeah but he was special.
Re: " Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded "
Sat Sep 03, 2016 12:05 am
Steve Zodiak wrote:Rydogsccfc wrote:I think this is our biggest coup in the championship since Bellamy.
Bigger than Saadi or even Slade?
Oh forgot about them.
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Sat Sep 03, 2016 10:35 am
norms76 wrote:gwentbluebirds wrote:nubbsy wrote:Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Would love it to happen but with the likelihood of the debut being away game to Norwich then maybe his 2nd or 3rd game. Hope your right I'm wrong
Why not Norwich? I remember the mighty Alex Revell scoring on his debut for Cardiff away to Norwich.
Are you sure?
I thought it was "The Beast" Jon Parkin who scored away at Norwich on his debut?
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Sat Sep 03, 2016 11:52 am
davids wrote:norms76 wrote:gwentbluebirds wrote:nubbsy wrote:Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Would love it to happen but with the likelihood of the debut being away game to Norwich then maybe his 2nd or 3rd game. Hope your right I'm wrong
Why not Norwich? I remember the mighty Alex Revell scoring on his debut for Cardiff away to Norwich.
Are you sure?
I thought it was "The Beast" Jon Parkin who scored away at Norwich on his debut?
100% sure.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/foot ... f-10825341
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Sat Sep 03, 2016 1:18 pm
norms76 wrote:gwentbluebirds wrote:nubbsy wrote:Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Would love it to happen but with the likelihood of the debut being away game to Norwich then maybe his 2nd or 3rd game. Hope your right I'm wrong
Why not Norwich? I remember the mighty Alex Revell scoring on his debut for Cardiff away to Norwich.
Just think Norwich will be too strong for us as I say hope I'm wrong
Re: Lambert Signing: How It Unfolded.
Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:56 pm
davids wrote:norms76 wrote:gwentbluebirds wrote:nubbsy wrote:Interesting. looks like Ricky was keen to sign pretty early and waiting on west Brom, not the other way around.
Lambert to score on his debut!
Would love it to happen but with the likelihood of the debut being away game to Norwich then maybe his 2nd or 3rd game. Hope your right I'm wrong
Why not Norwich? I remember the mighty Alex Revell scoring on his debut for Cardiff away to Norwich.
Are you sure?
I thought it was "The Beast" Jon Parkin who scored away at Norwich on his debut?
The beast scored a wonder goal against Norwich