Lambert hails the best-ever

Norwich boss Paul Lambert admits this year has been the best-ever after three successful seasons at Carrow Road.

Norwich boss says staying up the best achievement so far

Norwich boss Paul Lambert admits this year has been the best-ever after three successful seasons at Carrow Road. Lambert has guided the Canaries from the bottom of League One to the middle of the Premier League since he took over in August 2009. The former Celtic midfielder feels the past nine months have topped it all after being written off by many pundits at the start of the season. "This has surpassed anything we have done in the three years I have been here, hands down," he said. "It has been phenomenal what has happened here again. Nobody expected this to happen. Everybody thought we would go down. "The players have been brilliant all season, to go and compete with some of the teams they have done."

Relief

Lambert admits there is a sense of relief at Carrow Road as they prepare to host Aston Villa on the final weekend free from the "knife-edge" finish that will concern their rivals. "I think it seems to be the closest (finish) I can remember if you look at what is at stake on the final weekend," Lambert said. "They are going for it neck-and-neck in the title race and the relegation hasn't been decided or the Champions League places. "It has gone right to the wire which means the fans who support those teams will be on a bit of a knife edge. "I am just glad we are not part of it." Lambert has called for his players to finish the season with a win, having lost their past two home games against Manchester City and Liverpool. "Too many come to watch us (not to perform)," said Lambert. "We know there will be a brilliant atmosphere and they will come in their thousands. "In the three years I have been here they have been brilliant and it is a big part of the club. "They have a good rapport with the players. If you lose your fan base then I think you are dead."