By Alan Duffy
Having produced football duller than a night in the pub with Michael Owen and Phil Neville, it was no surprise that Paul Lambert was given the boot by Premier League strugglers Aston Villa. And now, the Birmingham giants have named Lambert’s replacement, with former Tottenham man Tim Sherwood taking over in a deal which will last until 2018 (when Lambert’s deal would’ve naturally ended).
On taking the job, the 46-year-old Sherwood said:
“It is a great honour to manage one of the biggest clubs in English football. “I can’t wait to get started and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Villa Chairman, Randy Lerner, added:
“While being forever conscious of the frustrations that we all suffer, we feel that a change that offers a positive, fresh approach will be very good for the club.
“I know that Tom and many others at Villa worked very hard to recruit Tim in the face of severely limited time constraints and pounding pressure.
“More importantly, I know further that internally we remain focused and committed to challenges we face, and I am deeply appreciative for that.”
Doubts remain over Sherwood’s tactical nous, but the three-time England international is an exponent of entertaining, attacking football, something which will be more than welcome at Villa Park. However, with the Villans currently in the bottom, three, Sherwood’s main priority for this season will be to keep his side in the top division.
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