Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner defends squad investment says Paul Lambert had their backing

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has defended the club's transfer dealings during Paul Lambert's time as manager.

In a statement released through the League Managers' Association on Thursday Lambert revealed Lerner had told him the Villa job would be "the toughest challenge of my working life".

He also said his "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."

But a statement from Lerner later on Thursday claimed his investment has left the club in a stronger position now than it was when Lambert arrived.

It read: "Following several brutally challenging years at Villa, Paul Lambert arrived with a fresh view and a proven style and track record. It was our hope, and belief, that Aston Villa would find its footing and strengthen during Paul's tenure with the club."

"Adding players and investing in the squad over the last three years has strengthened Villa, and it is our hope that given the quality, leadership and team spirit at Bodymoor Heath that we can rise to the occasion for the remainder of the season."

"I want very much to thank Paul for his commitment to me personally, and to Villa, and wish him well personally and professionally in his future endeavors."

...SkySports