During those glorious days of successive promotions which culminated in a place in the Premier League, Paul Lambert virtually wrote his own scripts.

Just when you thought a chapter of his tenure as Norwich City manager was coming to an end, he would produce something even more spectacular out of his bag.

There was his appointment, the resurrection of an ailing team, the hope of the League One play-offs, the hope of the title, the delivery of the title. Then there was hope, followed by more hope, followed by success in all its glory. There was Derby at home, Portsmouth away. There was the Premier League. More hope, then survival.

Then his departure. There was hardly time to draw breath.

And now, with Lambert having been gone for almost a full season, the man who raised so many hopes and fulfilled so many dreams, is returning. Once again he holds Norwich City's destiny in his own hands. Once again. Paul Lambert appears to have the pen in his hand and is preparing to write the script.

This time, it could be a horror story that Lambert delivers to the City fans – it's certainly a scenario that is being envisaged by more than a few, judging by the comments after Villa had thrashed Sunderland 6-1 on Monday evening.

It was a performance which had reminders of the way his best City teams played – little thought for defence, just a full-on press of the opposition. If there was an opportunity to go forward, Villa did. The downside of the tactic was illustrated early on when, having gone ahead, Villa conceded. But the pressure eventually turned Black Cats legs to jelly and they fell apart. A bit like their neighbours from Newcastle did two days earlier at home to Liverpool. Both teams conceded six, both teams' defences were appalling, already on a poker table in Vegas.

Villa's victory sent shivers down a few spines, given that they are at Carrow Road on Saturday. Even if the result isn't disastrous for the Canaries, there are other things to consider: like a home game against West Brom and a final day trip to Manchester City. By then, of course, Wigan may have taken the matter out of City's hands. Wigan have flirted with relegation so often, it's about time they did the right thing and went down. For health reasons if nothing else.

Villa are now a point behind Norwich, while Wigan have to make up a six-point gap. But they have one more game from which to pick up points – although sandwiched in between their remaining four fixtures is an FA Cup final.

If Norwich fail to beat Villa and Wigan produce a late run of form, then we could find ourselves looking at you know who, Paul Lambert, for some help. Villa's last game, conveniently, or otherwise, is against Wigan.

Lambert might just be in a position to dictate where City play next season: and if that is the case, you can bet the words 'conspiracy theory' will be tumbling from everyone's lips.

It would appear Lambert didn't leave City on the best of terms with one or two of the top brass – therefore, he'd let Villa win.

Or, Lambert would rather help Norwich, the club where he made his managerial name, by doing his best to beat Wigan.

Personally, I think there is little merit in believing he would be swayed by the Norwich factor: top sportsmen and women have this streak in them which says they must win at all costs; it is their motivation. Lambert's only thought will be himself, which means Villa, which means Villa winning.

It's just a damned nuisance of a coincidence the way the fixtures have dropped.

Of course, City could take away some of the concern by beating Villa on Saturday.

If the crowd can possibly forget their nerves and produce a repeat of the wall of sound which greeted Reading, it would help. It's tough to influence human nature, but strong willpower is needed.

And forget baiting Lambert: I saw at extremely close quarters the treatment he got when he returned to Colchester as City boss – he thrived on it. Sticks and stones and all that.

And forget the Capital One Cup defeat here in December. It has absolutely no bearing on this weekend's game. The Premier League trumps everything.

Plus, it's not just about Norwich, Villa and Wigan. Sunderland and Newcastle are both coming off those major league thumpings and their confidence will be even more fragile than those around them.

There are still an awful lot more twists and turns (as Lambert always used to tell us during his time in Norfolk).

Just try and hold your nerve.