Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is saddened by dispute with Norwich

Paul Lambert: Has revealed his sorrow that relations with Norwich have soured ahead of Tuesday's return

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert claims he is saddened by the dispute with former club Norwich that goes before a Premier League tribunal next month.

The Scot returns to Carrow Road for the first time since his summer departure for Tuesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final.

Lambert and Norwich are both suing each other for breach of contract and the relationship has been further soured by Norwich chairman Alan Bowkett making the matter public at a fans' forum.

"Is it a source of sorrow it's ended up how it has? Yes, it should never have been the way it is."
Paul Lambert

"Probably the sad thing is people don't really know what's been going on," said Lambert.

"Is it a source of sorrow it's ended up how it has? Yes, it should never have been the way it is.

"Would you hope it could get sorted amicably? You'd like to think that way. But I just let the lawyers and the LMA (League Managers' Association), who have been brilliant with it, get on with things.

"It's unfair to comment because it's in arbitration and you've got to respect that."

Hostility

Lambert is unsure whether to expect hostility from the Canaries fans but believes his time at Celtic has given him experience of the vitriol that those in football can receive.

Asked if he expected stick from the fans, Lambert said: "It's a hard one to call whether they want to do that or not.

"You would like to think that the sensible ones would maybe think 'you've done all right'. But I know you might get stick.

"You'll probably hear it. But listen, I was at a club for eight years that half the city hated.

"I still get it to this day when I get home. You can still get the odd shout in the city centre - and I retired from playing about 15 years ago.

"When you have been involved in that, then you can handle anything.

"I really don't know what to expect but it's not something I'm actually too fazed about."

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