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Lambert quits Wycombe after playoff disappointment

20/05/2008

Wycombe Wanderers manager Paul Lambert has resigned with immediate effect following the club's League Two playoff defeat to Stockport County.

Former Scotland international Lambert, who was appointed in the summer of 2006, saw his side miss out on the chance of a Wembley final and possible promotion to the third tier of English football on Saturday.

He denied his "bitter disappointment" at the playoff failure had no bearing on his decision and he felt it was just time to move on – which he would do "with [his] head held high".

"I've enjoyed every minute of my time at Wycombe and I'm proud to have taken the club to a Carling Cup semi-final and to the League Two playoffs," Lambert told the club's official website.

"This is a great club, but I feel that the time has come for me to move on.

"I haven't been forced out - the decision to leave is entirely mine - and I don't have another job to go to. I just feel that this is the right thing to do.

"I want to thank the players for their fantastic efforts this season. They're a first-class group of lads who worked incredibly hard for me and never provided a moment's trouble.

"Whoever takes over will inherit an excellent squad."

Chairman Ivor Beeks said he is "very sorry to see Paul go", adding he has done "a fantastic job in the short time he's been here".

"But he's made up his mind that he needs to move on and we have to respect that," Beeks continued.

According to managing director Steve Hayes, Wycombe will begin the search to appoint a successor to Lambert immediately.

"Obviously this news has taken everyone by surprise, but we intend to move swiftly to appoint Paul's successor," he said.

"We can't afford to waste any time."