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Post by Premier League News on Feb 20, 2015 6:55:28 GMT
 New manager has 13 games to arrest Villa’s slump Tim Sherwood has pledged to keep Aston Villa in the Premier League but admits the club are running out of time to avoid relegation. After being appointed as Paul Lambert’s successor on Monday, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager believes he has sufficient quality at his disposal in the final 13 games of the season as he prepares for his first outing in charge against Stoke City at home on Saturday. “You have only one way to go – and that is up,” he said. “And that is exactly what I want to do. The club is not in a great position, hence why I am here. It is on my shoulders to take us forward and I take all the responsibility. “I am grateful for the opportunity here and I will give it everything. All I can do is do my best and I think my best is going to be good enough.” Villa slipped into the relegation zone after five successive league defeats and have not won at home in the Premier League since the beginning of December when they edged past Leicester City. Sherwood was in the stands on Sunday to witness a repeat result against Nigel Pearson’s team in the FA Cup when his positivity from a half-time dash to the dressing room reaped an instant reward. While confirming he has appointed Mark Robson, as coach, and Seamus Brady, as analyst, to his backroom staff, Sherwood will take his time to identify an assistant manager, although one candidate may have emerged at Bodymoor Heath this week after the chairman Randy Lerner’s enthusiastic emergence from the shadows. “He picked the team,” Sherwood said, jokingly. “You talk about passion and no one’s more passionate than Randy Lerner. We had a good chat and like every chairman, he has the best interests of the club at heart. “I’m confident in what I do on the training field. I don’t have to dress it up any differently. I didn’t put any bells and whistles on it because Randy was watching.” Sherwood is convinced the players, who have managed only eight home league goals all season, are accepting his remit to play with greater freedom. “I really think they are buying into what I’m trying to tell them,” he said. “It’s not the Krypton Factor. It’s a gradual process. Rome wasn’t built in a day and it’s going to take time. We know we’re running out of time and we’re aiming to get the best out of this group as soon as possible, starting Saturday.” Sherwood will leave the issue of Ron Vlaar’s future – the Holland defender’s contract expires in the summer – with the board. “I was very impressed with him on Sunday. You need experience. The club want to keep their best players. I’m sure the club will endeavour to try to keep Ron. It’s not really for now. The focus is picking the right team and Ron focusing on playing and doing his best for the club, as he is.”
By Peter Lansley, Guardian |
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3in11
Monster Midfielder
No easy games in this league.
Posts: 1,773
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Post by 3in11 on Feb 20, 2015 13:14:12 GMT
It's a big ask at Villa.....and Sherwood isn't going to bring much beyond the usual 'new boss' effect to the task. At Spurs he had more talent at his disposal and no real threat of either winning anything or getting relegated.
QPR and Villa both left it late to make managerial changes ( I'm still convinced Redknapp's knee was a face-saving operation [pun intended]).
It's all very interesting down in the basement this season. Leicester, Burnley, Hull, QPR, Villa, WBA, Palace and Everton: eight possible but only three to go down.
At the moment, I'd say it's all down to character rather than ability. Which leads me to suggest that:
Leicester -are as good as down.
Burnley - difficult to call but Ings and Dyche between them can save their bacon.
Hull - I cannot see them getting out of trouble although I'm surprised they are struggling as much as they are. There's something broken in the heart of that team and Steve Bruce will need to remind them what winning feels like ASAP or they'll go down with barely a whimper.
QPR - I cannot see any signs of real hope for Rangers, simply because they cannot defend to the required standard. They've talent going forwards but it's all but wasted due to a lack of cohesion at the back. They're just not winning games.
Villa - Sherwood could save them but only if he immediately starts winning and maintains that beyond the first couple of games. Can they start scoring goals? They're better off than some of those around them simply because their defense is generally competant. Benteke needs to find his form, which might just happen if Sherwood gets a response to his call for more open and flowing football.
WBA - should be safe. Tony Pulis....'nuff said.
Palace - the roller coaster seems generally on the up but a couple of bad results can soon change that. Unlike last season, Palace now have the strength in depth needed to survive without relying on luck with injuries etc.
Everton - probably safe but will need to keep their concentration and not let Europe distract them from the task.
My 3 for the drop? Leicester, QPR, Hull......probably.
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