Lambert aiming to please Villa fans

Paul Lambert says he hopes to reward Aston Villa's loyal fans with a better Premier League season under his guidance in 2012-13.

Lambert praised his side's fans after they turned out in big numbers to support Villa in a 2-1 pre-season friendly win at Burton on Saturday. New signing Brett Holman scored the winner to the delight of the away support and Lambert hopes they can all enjoy a good campaign together. "The fans were brilliant. I could see that, I could sense the passion they've got. Hopefully we can give them something back. We will certainly need them," he said on the club's website. "Today they were excellent. The following today was great. "It is a huge football club. I am under no illusions how big a job it is. With what's happened over the last few years we'll try to pick it up and the crowd will certainly get behind the team." Lambert also gave fellow new signings Karim El Ahmadi and Matt Lowton action in the game and was impressed with all their contributions. "It was a great goal from Brett, it really was," he added. "I thought Matty never broke sweat. He was excellent. You wouldn't think he's just come out of League One. His performance was really pleasing. He will do great for us. "And I thought Karim, everyone can see he's got quality in the middle of the park." Villa are expected to enjoy a better season after Alex McLeish was replaced by Lambert and punters looking to use their free bet might be tempted to back the Midlanders to make more of an impact in the top half this term.