By Paul Brown

Paul Lambert has been handed the ultimate endorsement - from Hollywood megastar Tom Hanks.

Hanks attended the Portland v Villa match, his first claret and blue encounter since admitting his support some years ago.

And the leading actor from Big, Saving Private Ryan, The Green Mile and Toy Story revealed he had been swatting up on the club in recent times, with help from this, our official website.

And he says he's more aware of Lambert's arrival and has high hopes for the gaffer this season.

He told AVTV: "I am really excited about Paul Lambert. I knew all about him coming in!

"I was working in London just recently and was told all about Paul. I was told it's going to be very exciting with Paul in charge.

"He will bring wisdom and confidence to Villa Park! I am looking forward to it."

On his claret and blue research, he added: "I have been swatting up! I have been studying up Villa on the official website.

"I would like to say I have been a fan since 1888 but that would not be quite true.

"Did you know in their first match, in the first half they played rugby rules and in the second half they played football rules. I am glad they stuck with football!"

Hanks also admits his appreciation of the club has been enhanced by fellow Tinseltown star and huge Villa fan Bob Stephenson, who was in Seven, Larry Crowne and Fight Club.

He added: "I met Bob about three years ago. He knows all things Villa and we compared notes on Villa back then and we have taken it from there.

"We sweat for Villa! We were comparing out Villa jerseys before the Portland Timbers game. In fact, I was going to wear mine to the match but I didn't want to offend the host team who were, after all, providing beer and food!"

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