"I never thought I would get the chance to get back to this level," said Paul Lambert as he was unveiled as Stoke City's new manager.

"I'm honoured and privileged to be here and can't wait to get started.

"I just got a call really late at the weekend. I was asked if I'd meet the owners. I had no hesitation coming down.

"Everybody knows it's really stable club - only two managers in 12 years.

"I'm not new to big-time football. It's not fazed me. I love it."

As to his initial impressions after watching the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday evening.

"Going forward we're really good. Without the ball we have to be a little bit more aggressive."

Lambert also wants the fans to play their part in the battle against relegation.

"They'll come here on Saturday [v Huddersfield] and get right behind the team. I heard the atmosphere when they're really on it. We have to give the supporters something.

"If we do that and pull the two components together then we have a better chance of winning.

"The squad have got more than enough to stay up. They shouldn't be in this position. If they can get the togetherness and spirit that will take us a long way.

"I'm bringing Stuart Taylor [Rangers Under 20 coach] who was at Wolves with me."