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All is not right at Aston Villa, and in truth it hasn’t been for some time now.

The claret and blue faithful were seen fighting among themselves after the 1-1 draw at Burnley last week and the way they instantly turned on their team when they conceded late on was sour.

Chants calling for Paul Lambert to be sacked were heard from the away end while boos were directed towards the team after the late slip-up which again cost Villa more valuable points.

Although the taunts were muted after the recent win over Crystal Palace, supporters still flooded forums and social networks with messages venting their frustrations.

Now while I understand that one success hardly makes up for a backlog of under-achievement, I also find it incredible that fans can remain so negative after such an uplifting turnaround.

(Image: Action Images / Paul Harding)

Villa hadn’t won in nine games before the trip to Selhurst Park, and while it may have been ugly at times, they crucially found a way to see it out and record maximum points.

That, coupled with a decent first-half display at Turf Moor, is improvement, however slight it may be.

Of course it still isn’t vintage Villa but there are signs of encouragement.

Opinion amongst the fans is divided. Some feel that Lambert has had his time and is struggling to help the club progress while others are happy enough to support and provide positive vibes regardless of the regime.

Chairman Randy Lerner remains a distant spectator so the Birmingham Mail hasn’t had chance to ask him his thoughts.

PICTURES - Crystal Palace v Villa: Action from Selhurst Park:

I am told, however, by other senior figures at the club that there is little reason to suggest that the Scot is no longer the man that Lerner sees fit to lead the side.

After all, he gave the 45-year-old a new four-year deal recently and the league position is far from alarming.

Villa are currently 12th, unbeaten in four, and they have clear daylight between themselves and the drop zone ahead of games against Leicester and Albion.

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There is even a real possibility that Villa could lift themselves close to the top half of the table by the turn of the year - the period where the standings really start to get interesting.

On top of that you have to wonder what benefits Lerner would be getting should he opt to change managers at this stage.

With the club up for sale and the budget remaining low, it would be tough to find someone who can do a significantly better job than the man currently at the helm.