New Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Lambert has admitted that he is "raring to go" as he attempts to spearhead a push for Premier League promotion.
The Scotsman turned down various other offers before eventually agreeing to take over at Ewood Park, becoming the Lancashire outfit's seventh manager in the same number of years.
Lambert has been out of work since being sacked by Aston Villa in February, but having previously guided Norwich City into the top flight he is confident of a similar achievement at 16th-place Blackburn.
"I've had nine months off, I really enjoyed my time, I've seen different teams train," he told reporters. "The opportunity came up and I can't wait to get started, I feel refreshed and I'm looking forward to Saturday's game [at Preston].
"The challenge is to try and get out of the league. It's a massive opportunity for myself and the backroom staff. We're raring to go, so let's see what happens. There were things in the nine months where I spoke to other clubs and didn't think it was right at the time."
Reports last week suggested that the 46-year-old would only take on the job if funds were made available to him, which is made all the more difficult by the ongoing transfer ban hanging over Rovers.
"I think the more you talk about lack of money it can have a negative effect," he added. "It can be used as an excuse. We need the fans behind us, it may take time, but if we get the players entertaining, they may come out and back us."
Lambert succeeds Gary Bowyer at Blackburn, who was sacked as manager following an indifferent two-year spell at the club.
Daniel Lewis
