Lambert free to raid Norwich

New Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has revealed there is no agreement to prevent him from raiding old club Norwich.

Scot also explains reasons for leaving Carrow Road

New Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has revealed there is no agreement to prevent him from raiding old club Norwich in the transfer market. Brendan Rodgers agreed not to sign any Swansea players for 12 months as part of the deal that took him from the Liberty Stadium to Liverpool earlier this month. However, Lambert insists there is no such agreement in place following his switch from Carrow Road to Villa with wantaway striker Grant Holt strongly linked to follow the Scot to Villa Park. "There's no agreement between me and Norwich about signing players," said Lambert.

Exit reasons

Lambert's move to Villa came as something of a shock, but the former Scotland international claims he had his reasons for leaving. "I have nothing but praise for the football club, fans and players," added Lambert. "I don't think people realise how close we were. No doubt fans will say I'm the worst manager in the club's history. But that's because they are hurt. I had my reasons to leave and that's all I'll say. "I'd like to think I would not get stick when we play there. But you think in the back of your mind it probably will come. And that's maybe the sad thing but I can't help that."