Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has admitted that he was surprised to learn of Steve Clarke's recent sacking at West Bromwich Albion.
Clarke was dismissed by the Baggies on Saturday following a "disappointing performance throughout 2013".
However, Lambert believes that his fellow Scot should have been given more time at The Hawthorns.
"It's extremely difficult. Everyone knows you have to win games, but he's only been in the job for 15 months," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"I was surprised like everyone else. I never saw that one coming."
Roberto Di Matteo has emerged as the early favourite to succeed Clarke at West Brom.
