Lerner has been accused by a section of supporters of having lost interest in the club due to his lack of visible presence at matches this season and not sufficiently backed Lambert in the last transfer window.

“Randy’s been great. He was over (on Thursday) and he is what he was from the day that I met him.

“He’s always been straight and honest,” said the Villa boss.

“I think Randy gets unfair criticism for someone who has done one hell of a lot for this club. ”

Lambert insisted he has not feared for his job despite a difficult first season at Villa in which they have battled against relegation.