Rickie Lambert

Rickie Lee Lambert is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Southampton. Lambert began his professional career with Blackpool in 1998 and later played for Macclesfield Town, Stockport County, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers before moving to Southampton for £1 million in August 2009. The striker scored on his debut for The Saints against Northampton Town on 11 August 2009 and went on to become the club\'s top scorer for that season with 36 in all competitions. Other notable goals scored by Lambert during the season include one against local rivals Portsmouth in the FA Cup Fifth Round South Coast derby on 13 February 2010, a hat-trick against Milton Keynes Dons in the league on 20 March 2010, and a penalty against Carlisle United in the 4–1 League Trophy Final win at Wembley on 28 March 2010. Lambert named in the PFA Team of the Year for League One, as well as winning the PFA Fans\' Player of the Year award for the division. Lambert\'s profile proved a key signing for Southampton, scoring 21 goals in the league to seal promotion to the Championship in 2010, and 27 league goals the following season to secure the Saints\' promotion back to the Premier League after their seven-year absence. He has won the \"Golden Boot\" award in 3 of the last 4 seasons, and was named the Championship Player of the Year for 2011–12. Lambert is known for his large stature and physical performances, and his ability to score both from open play and set-pieces.