Aston Villa target Paul Lambert offers resignation to Norwich City

Norwich City have confirmed their manager Paul Lambert has offered his resignation, with Aston Villa keen to appoint the former Scotland international as Alex McLeish’s successor.

The 42-year-old, who took charge of Norwich in August 2009, helped lead the Canaries to back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship, before guiding the club to a 12th-place finish upon their return to the top flight.

Villa, who sacked McLeish following a disappointing season which saw them slump to a 16th-place finish in the table, have approached Lambert to take over the reins at Villa Park.

A statement on Norwich’s website read: “The club regrets to confirm that Paul Lambert has offered his resignation from his position as Norwich City manager.

“We have fought hard to keep Paul at Norwich City and have not accepted his resignation whilst discussions with another club are taking place.

“However, whatever happens, we want to place on record our sincere gratitude for everything Paul has done for the club over the last three fantastic seasons.

“When Paul joined us in August 2009 we were in 66thposition in the English football pyramid and the Club was on the brink of financial meltdown.”

Meanwhile, Villa goalkeeper Shay Given offered his backing to Lambert’s possible appointment.

“If Paul was to come in, he would be a great appointment because he is a fantastic manager,” he told BBC Sport.

“Since he took the hot-seat at any club he has been at, he has just gone all the way up all the time, so hopefully if they can get that done, that would be great news for the club.”

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Read more on: alex mcleish, Aston Villa, norwich city, paul lambert, Premier League.