Sacked Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says managing the struggling West Midlands club turned out to be “the toughest challenge” of his career.
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Lambert, 45, left Villa on Wednesday after the club slipped into the Premier League relegation zone.
In 25 top-flight games this season, they have managed just 12 goals.
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“The club’s owner, Randy Lerner, warned me that I was embarking on the toughest challenge of my working life and he was not wrong,” said Lambert.
Aston Villa have scored twice in their last 10 Premier League matches
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In a statement, the former Norwich City boss added: “But I have never stepped away from hard work and I put my heart and soul into the job from my first day until my last.”
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Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Hull City marked the end for Lambert’s 31-month tenure at Villa Park.
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First-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall are now in temporary charge with 13 league matches remaining.
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Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood and United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann have been linked with the job on a full-time basis.
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“Someone needs to go in there with a bit of freshness, mix things up a little bit and just try something new,” said out-of-favour Villa striker Darren Bent, now on loan at Derby.
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“They are in a tough position. If someone comes in with fresh ideas, new tactics, it might just give the whole place a lift, including the supporters, the staff, everyone associated with the club.”
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Bent fell out with Lambert and has been on loan to a series of clubs.
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“Me going back to Aston Villa is out of my hands,” added Bent. “I am a Derby County player at the moment and I am enjoying my time here.”
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