Tim Sherwood has expressed his disappointment at being sacked by Aston Villa following their dismal start to the current season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur coach was installed as Paul Lambert’s successor just eight months ago, when he was tasked with keeping the Midlands club in the Premier League. Not only did he achieve this, but he also led them to victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, before losing the final against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in May.
Sherwood was able to bring in a raft of new players during the summer, but it was the departures of star men Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke which most affected his squad. Despite winning their first game of the season, at Bournemouth, Villa have gone on to endure a torrid time, with their 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City on Saturday their sixth successive loss.
This leaves the seven-time league champions once more facing a fight to retain their proud status in the top-flight, as even at this early stage they are bottom of the standings and four points adrift of safety. The pressure increased on Sherwood following their latest reverse, and it was confirmed on Sunday that the club had taken the decision to relieve him of his duties.
“I am very disappointed that I will not be able to carry on in my role as manager of Aston Villa,” Sherwood said in a statement released though the League Managers’ Association. “I knew when I took on the role that it would be a big challenge, but it proved to be one I greatly enjoyed…I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season and indeed for the future.”
Former Arsenal midfield Remi Garde is the overwhelming favourite to become the next Villa boss. The 49-year-old was in charge of Lyon from 2011 to 2014, during which time he delivered a Coupe de France to the club. It is believed that one potential hitch in his possible appointment is that his former club are reluctant to release Gerald Baticle, who he wants as his assistant.
