Lambert's most trusted allies turfed out.

Paul Faulkner

Just one day after Villa's Chief Executive Officer Paul Faulkner made a public statement calling for Villa's players, staff and supporters to pull together, the club have suspended Paul Lambert's most trusted lieutenants.

Out on his arse

First team coach Ian Culverhouse and head of football operations Gary
Karsa have both been removed from post pending an internal investigation at the club. No further details on the nature of that investigation have come from the club, but in the interim Villa legend Gordon Cowans and discarded goalkeeper Shay Given have been given battlefield promotions to assist the underfire Paul Lambert prepare for the vital home clash with Southampton.

The move seriously undermines Lambert's position at a time when he is facing increasing criticism from the club's most loyal support. Noises from the club suggest he backs the move, but the loss of two men who've been a key part of his team throughout his managerial career must a major personal blow.

In from the cold

Rumours that all is not right in the Villa camp have circulated for a while, with the most damning rumour being that Fabian Delph and Gabby Agbonlahor were fit to play in the home game against Fulham but were left out after backing Cowans in a row with Culverhouse. In the players' absence, Villa lost the six pointer when a win would have all but confirmed the club's Premier League status for next season.