Norwich issue Lambert hands-off

Norwich have vowed to do everything they can to keep manager Paul Lambert at the club as Aston Villa reportedly target the Scotsman.

According to the British media, Lambert is Aston Villa’s first-choice to replace sacked manager Alex McLeish.

But Norwich chief executive David McNally put himself between Aston Villa and Lambert on Tuesday, promising to fight off any bids for the manager.

“We would not welcome any enquiry for our football manager or any of the club’s football players,” McNally said.

“We will do everything we can and fight this as hard as we have ever fought.”

Villa sacked McLeish on Monday after winning just seven games in the 2011/12 English Premier League season.

Lambert, along with Wigan’s manager Roberto Martinez, were quickly named as likely successors and now it seems Norwich’s boss is the favourite.

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy believes it is obvious that Lambert will be linked with jobs at other clubs after leading the team from eastern England from League One to the Premiership in three seasons.

“He will be linked, no doubt, with a number of jobs that come up,” Ruddy said.

“He’s been massive, not just for the club but for me personally.

“He gave me a chance, he brought me into the club and he believed in me and it’s the same with every player.

“His winning mentality rubs off on you. He’s been massive for the club.”