Paul Lambert: 'Expectancy hinders Aston Villa progress'

Former boss Paul Lambert has suggested that managing Aston Villa is a difficult task due to the expectancy levels at the club.

Villa are currently spending their third campaign at the second tier, and after a poor start to the season, Dean Smith has been appointed as a replacement for Steve Bruce.

Smith is tasked with trying to earn Villa a return to the Premier League, but Lambert - who had a three-year spell at Villa between 2012 and 2015 - feels that the former Brentford man will come under immediate pressure.

Lambert told Sky Sports News: "It's difficult because of the expectation level really. The club was trying to get sold [when I was there] but the fans have got the history of a European Cup-winning football club.

"You've got that, a big fanbase behind you, who every time expect you to be up there."

Villa currently sit in 15th place in the Championship standings.