Premier League: Brian Little believes the negativity around Aston Villa cost Paul Lambert his job

Former Aston Villa manager Brian Little believes the growing pressure from disgruntled supporters was a big factor in Paul Lambert losing his job.

And Little is convinced the departure of assistant manager Roy Keane last November left the Scot 'lonely' and without an experienced backroom staff.

Villa's 2-0 defeat at Hull on Tuesday, a result which saw them drop into the bottom three of the Premier League, proved the last straw for the fans who made the feelings clear at the end of the match.

Speaking to the Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ, Little, who also spent 10 years as a Villa player before injury ended in 1980, said: "I think there’s been a lot of dissent around the club and the fans reaction, certainly the social media and local media were very adamant at what should happen.

“It got to the point where it was very difficult for Paul Lambert to continue.”

I think it’s very important that whatever happens in the short term, someone goes in there with a backing of a group of people because it’s not a one man show.

Lambert, who left his role at Norwich City in 2012 to take over at Villa Park, had failed to guide his side to a victory in their last 10 Premier League matches.

Little, who managed Villa from 1994-98, leading them to a top-four finish in 1996, says Lambert has struggled to cope with the job on his own and is urging the next manager to bring in experience, during what he believes is certain to be a 'tricky time' for the club.

“I think it has been a really lonely place for Paul Lambert in these last few months, if not the last season," he said.

"He needed somebody around him who has the experience to deal with the situation.

“I think it’s very important that whatever happens in the short term someone goes in there with a backing of a group of people because it’s not a one man show, there’s a massive job to be done.”