Former Norwich City manager Paul Lambert has made a surprise return to the Premier League, after being appointed the new boss at Stoke City.

Eastern Daily Press: Paul Lambert with the League One trophy in 2010. Photo: Nick ButcherPaul Lambert with the League One trophy in 2010. Photo: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2010)

The man who led the Canaries from League One to the top flight with back-to-back promotions has signed a two-and-half-year contract to replace sacked Mark Hughes at Stoke.

The Potters are due to play Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday evening but the 48-year-old will not officially take charge until Tuesday.

'Paul greatly impressed us with his knowledge of our squad and had a clear plan of how he would improve our results,' said chairman Peter Coates.

'He's a man who backed himself as a player, none more so than when he turned down contract offers in Scotland to go on trial in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, and it's obvious he adopts the same approach as a manager.'

Lambert was in charge at Livingston, Wycombe and Colchester before joining Norwich in August 2009, making Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt the focal points of a revival in City's fortunes.

He was in charge of a total of 142 games, winning 70 and drawing 35, before leaving for Aston Villa after guiding the Canaries to a 12th-place finish in the Premier League.

After almost three years of limited success at Villa Park the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder had brief spells at Blackburn and Wolves, where he was replaced last summer as Wanderers' wealthy owners eyed former Porto boss Nuno Espirito Santo.