Aston Villa chiefs believe fans are excited with their appointment of Paul Lambert as new manager.

A number of supporters vowed not to renew their tickets while Alex McLeish remained at the helm but the decision to sack the ex-Birmingham City manager and bring in Lambert appears to have brought a new wave of optimism.

A club source told the Express & Star: "There has already been a mini-surge in season ticket sales when it became clear Paul Lambert was going to get the job and hopefully that will continue.

"Attendances were a little disappointing last season but the new manager should help to change that."