Norwich City chief executive David McNally has admitted that he expected Paul Lambert to choose a club challenging for the Champions League as opposed to Aston Villa.
The Scottish boss made the switch from Carrow Road to Villa Park at the weekend following his first season in the top flight with Norwich.
"We believe that it was inevitable at some point that Paul would leave us - we thought for a very big team, one of the big clubs in the game," McNally told The Pink 'Un.
"And I am not being disrespectful to Aston Villa, because clearly they are previous European Cup winners and have won league titles.
"But we thought he would go to a team that was perhaps competing in the Champions League even. It was inevitable because he is very good, he is a very good football manager. So, yes, it was inevitable but, yes we are a bit surprised he hasn't gone to a team that is competing in the Champions League."
Meanwhile, Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay has claimed that he is staying with the Bluebirds, despite being linked to the Canaries vacancy.
