Paul Lambert has delivered an impassioned rallying cry to the Villa Park faithful to banish memories of last season and play their part in delivering a brighter future.
Lambert has told supporters his new-look Villa team will “be ready for it” by the time the Premier League season kicks off against West Ham at Upton Park on August 18.
Villa fans have already started to turn their attentions to the 2012-13 campaign under the popular new manager following yesterday’s publication of the top-flight fixtures. And Lambert insists it is important to look forward rather than back.
The appointment of fans’ first-choice Lambert restored a feelgood factor to the club following a depressing season under his predecessor Alex McLeish.
But the new manager has warned supporters not to expect too much too soon and to remain patient with his players on the occasions when it does not go according to plan.
“Forget last year because things like that can happen,” said Lambert. “My job is to try to get the team to win, to make it play well. Most importantly, we’ll need every supporter that comes and watches.
“There will be times when it will be hard, but stay with it and hopefully we’ll give you some really good times. We’ll do everything we can to try to make that happen. I knew before I came here that the fanbase was massive. I’m certainly going to need the crowd and if we can get the stadium rocking it will be a really good place.
“There’s a great history and tradition behind the club.
“The most important people at any football club are the people that come and watch it, and the players. If I can get those two going off each other then hopefully we can have a right good season.”
