Paul Lambert says managing Aston Villa was the "toughest challenge" of his working life, but he's proud of his time at the club.
He was sacked by the Premier League strugglers last night, and in a statement released through the League Managers' Association this, Lambert revealed his initial remit was to reduce the wage bill of the playing staff while keeping the club in the top flight.
"I am extremely proud to have managed Aston Villa, a founder member of the Football League, and this sentiment will always remain with me," said the Scot.
"My initial remit was to conduct a massive overhaul of the playing squad, lower the overall wage structure of the playing staff and achieve this whilst keeping the club in the Barclays Premier League.
"There was also a concerted effort to purchase and develop younger players who would provide a solid footing for the football club to move forward and enhance the value of the playing squad in the future.
"When I came on board 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."
Shay Given has played for 16 managers in the PL. If he plays under a new guy at Villa he will become the 1st PL player to have had 17 bosses
— Ryan Keaney (@RyanKeaney) February 12, 2015
Lambert also says he hopes the team can compete at the top end of the table in the near future.
"Finally, I pay tribute to the supporters who are among the most passionate I have ever encountered," he added.
"I completely understand their frustrations and always shared their view that the football club is too big not to be competing at the top end of the table. I hope that can happen."
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