Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is upset for Steve Clarke over his sacking by West Bromwich Albion.
Clarke received encouragement from fellow Scot Lambert.
Giving his thoughts after seeing his Aston Villa side beaten by Manchester United, Lambert said: "The job is extremely difficult.
"Everyone knows you have to try to win more games than you lose, but he was only in the job for 18 months or something like that.
"I was surprised by it, probably like everyone else. I never saw that one coming.
"He is a good guy, Steve - I know him really well. I played with him up at St Mirren.
"I'm pretty sure he will come back stronger."
