Premier League: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert happy to sign new deal

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert hopes to play a leading role in the club's progression after signing a new deal.

Lambert has been under pressure for much of his tenure, with the team finishing 15th in the Premier League in his two seasons in charge since moving to Villa Park in June 2012.

But Villa have been in impressive form this season, with their 1-0 win at Liverpool last weekend leaving them second in the table.

The Scotsman had no hesitation in signing a new four-year contract on Wednesday night and was in buoyant mood ahead of Saturday’s home game with Arsenal.

“The chairman came to me a few weeks ago and asked what I was thinking. I heard his views and he heard mine,” Lambert said of his contract discussions with Randy Lerner.

“I love being here, it’s an absolutely fantastic club. I have always had a great working relationship with the chairman. He asked for my feelings and I was delighted to do it (sign a new contract).

“I can’t ask any more from the chairman, he has been totally transparent with the way the club is going to go.

“Lads signing new contracts has been great and with new lads coming into the club, everything is really positive.

“Our start in the league has been fantastic, so everything now is in a good place. You keep building on that and you can get stability in your club.”

Lerner has also come under some criticism during his reign, but Lambert has offered his support to the American, who put the club up for sale in the summer. 

“The chairman has been great and he will do what he thinks will make Aston Villa stronger. He has always done that and he always wants that,” added Lambert.

“If that day does come, when somebody wants to come in and take it on, and the deal is right, as long as it makes Aston Villa stronger, then he will do it.”