In a perverse way, Covid has actually helped PL's position.
Last season was cut short, when this suggested contract clause based on final league placing could have been triggered.
The games being called off in December certainly bought him some time to get the likes of Norwood, Downes and Nsiala nearer match fit, as none of them would have been ready to face Posh, Northampton and Fleetwood.
Also there was talk of a protest taking place at the Swindon game, which lockdown put a stop to actually happening.
There is unlikely to be any fans back in the ground for a few weeks to vent their feelings. In ways i am glad of that last point, if PL is ever going to miraculously get us performing decently again, with fit returning players and new signings (
), this really is his very last chance saloon. Once any number of fans return PR is going to be a horrible place if we are still on a downward slide.
Much of the above could also be applied to ME, the club are effectively saving money (in terms of not having 2k paid up season ticket holders to steward). One thing that is going to cost the club and that is
good will. If fans feel their frustrations are not being heard, listened to or even acted on, it will leave further bad feeling towards the club and ME. Indeed the true telling time will be just before/ when those 2021/22 season ticket prospectuses go out. Even if miracles happen and we finish strongly under PL, there is going to be a lot of hesitancy among many fans to renew while Lambert is still at the club, such is the damage already caused.