Former Aston Villa manager has another shot in the Premier League with Stoke City.
Paul Lambert is back as a Premier League manager with Stoke City, after becoming the surprise replacement for Mark Hughes.
Lambert was never relegated from the top flight during his time at Norwich City and Aston Villa, although it is hard to argue that he took the latter forward during his time at the club.
Lambert’s Villa spell ended when he was fired in 2015 and it felt overdue, with fans frustrated at the style of football and poor results.
But the Scot is bullish about his time at the club, and believes he performed well considering the funds he had available.
Villa are now in the Championship for a second successive season after being relegated in 2016.
Lambert told The Guardian: “It’s people’s perceptions that maybe I didn’t do a good job at Aston Villa.
“But I think Aston Villa were only ever once in the bottom three and that was towards the end. The [financial] constraints there were certainly a bit different.”
Lambert has since held posts with Blackburn Rovers and then Wolves, spells which each lasted less than a year.
He is a little fortunate to have landed the Stoke City job, and will be more motivated than ever to make the most of what could be his last chance in the top flight if it does not go well.
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