Premier League: Paul Lambert plays down uncertainty over future at Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert insists he "fully intends" to remain in charge of the Premier League club next season.

Lerner appeared to express sympathy for Lambert both on Sunday and shortly after the suspension of assistant manager Ian Culverhouse and head of football operations Gary Karsa. He revealed Lambert had been forced to deal with "unexpected issues" and Lerner also made reference to the number of injuries in the Villa squad this season. Lambert admitted he was frustrated by the "position of mediocrity" Villa have suffered in recent seasons, and he highlighted the need for future investment. "With the size of this football club, with the fanbase it's got, I never came here to sit like this. It's been like this for the last four years," he said. "But it's been an incredible experience these past two years. Would I have changed the experience? No. Because it will make you stronger. "The lads have always given me everything they have. I don't think anyone can argue with that. We have had our ups and downs. "But this football club has been in a position these past four years of mediocrity. That's the bottom line. It will need investment, that's for sure, to compete at the top end. "The football club will need a kick-on. I think Randy has been brilliant with that since he's been here. He's been excellent with me on that side of it. "But if you're going to go and buy players - the ones I have been linked with - then you will need money." Meanwhile, Lambert insisted he was pleased with claims from Yacouba Sylla that he is disappointed to have been given limited first-team game-time. Sylla - who has made only four appearances, all as a substitute, this calendar year - was quoted this week as saying he is looking to leave the club on loan in the summer in search of regular senior football. And Lambert said: "I understand any player's frustration at not playing. You wouldn't expect people to just sit there and not play. You are glad on that aspect. "Should he have spoken about it? Probably not. But that comes with experience. I am glad he's disappointed at not playing. That's normal. "The three lads in the middle of the pitch have been doing really well for us, though. So Yac just has to do his utmost to get in the side."