Paul Lambert has said that he is ‘extremely proud’ of his time as Aston Villa manager following his sacking on Wedneday evening.
The Scottish coach was axed from the role at Villa Park on Wedneday after losing the day before to Hull City; a result which leaves Villa in the relegation zone.
A drastic season which saw the Midlands club win just five of their Premier League games and score just 12 goals was met with frustration by the club’s fans, but Lambert has applauded them in a statement via the League Managers Association.
“I am extremely proud to have managed Aston Villa, a founder member of the Football League, and this sentiment will always remain with me.
“My initial remit was to conduct a massive overhaul of the playing squad, lower the overall wage structure of the playing staff and achieve this whilst keeping the club in the Barclays Premier League. There was also a concerted effort to purchase and develop younger players who would provide a solid footing for the football club to move forward and enhance the value of the playing squad in the future.
“When I came on board the club’s owner, Randy Lerner, warned me that I was embarking on the toughest challenge of my working life and he was not wrong.
“To the players, my sincere thanks to each and every one of them. They are a fantastic group of players and I wish them every success for the rest of their playing careers. I hope to see many of them achieve great things in the game.
“Finally, I pay tribute to the supporters who are among the most passionate I have ever encountered. They rightly hold huge expectations for their beloved football club and I sincerely hope they are rewarded with the success they deserve.
“I completely understand their frustrations and always shared their view that the football club is too big not to be competing at the top end of the table. I hope that can happen.”