FANS gave their backing to the choice of Paul Lambert as Aston Villa's new manager after his appointment was confirmed yesterday.

Jonathan Fear, of the supporters' website Vital Villa, said: "I think it is a smashing appointment. He was the number one target and they were prepared to wait for him. It is a good, solid appointment and he can have a look from top to bottom at what is needed at Villa.

"He has worked wonders at every club he has been at. We had a poll on our site of 14 managers and he led from start to finish as the first choice. It is the opposite of last year and we've got a fans' favourite coming in this time."

Lambert resigned as Norwich City manager on Thursday after being refused permission to talk to Villa about becoming fellow Scot Alex McLeish's successor.

Norwich released a statement thanking the former Celtic midfielder for his efforts at Carrow Road – he led them up to the Premier League a year ago after two successive promotions – but denied reports that they had agreed compensation with Lambert's new club.

"We will continue to discuss this matter privately with Aston Villa," the statement said.

Ottmar Hitzfeld, Lambert's manager at Borussia Dortmund, where he won the Champions League, backed his former player to be a success at Villa Park.

Hitzfeld, now in charge of Switzerland, said: "I have always followed Paul since he left Dortmund and I congratulated him on his prom-otion to the Premier League with Norwich City. As a player, he always thought like a coach.

"He was a leader so it is no surprise that he has become a successful manager. Paul was a very good team player. That is one of the most important qualities as a coach and manager of a team."

Villa confirmed the appointment in a one-line statement on their website. It said: "The board of Aston Villa are delighted to confirm that Paul Lambert has been appointed Villa manager."

Owner Randy Lerner, who wanted McLeish to reduce the wage bill last season, will give Lambert money to refresh the squad. The 42-year-old will also be able to spend any funds he generates from off-loading any current players he decides to dispense with.

Emile Heskey, Carlos Cuellar and back-up goalkeeper Brad Guzan, whose contracts had expired, have already left the club, which finished just two points above the relegation place last term.

Norwich said they had already begun the search for Lambert's successor.