Posted: May 13, 2014 | Updated: 3 years ago
Another unjustified action taken by Daniel Levy has seen Tim Sherwood, who has the best points per game ratio as Tottenham manager out of a job. If managers are sacked based on results then that’s not the case with Tim Sherwood. The 45 year old boasts a remarkable 59.1% win record.
He’s honesty was first class and can be seen as somewhat of a rarity throughout the modern game. At times the style of football at the Lane wasn’t as “Tikka Taka” and what the fans demanded but one thing’s for sure, he got the players on his side and they played for him.
Appointed on an 18 month contract in December 2013 replacing Andre Villas Boas after a catastrophic humiliation against Liverpool, Sherwood’s first competitive game ended in a 2-1 defeat to rivals West Ham, in the Capital One Cup.
The introduction of Adebayor back into the fold was key to the success that Sherwood achieved in such a short period. The Togo frontman had been frozen out of AVB’s plans until Tim Sherwood presented him with a platform to perform on.
In turn Adebayor finished the season as the clubs top goal scorer with 14 in all competitions. Goals against Southampton, Manchester United, Swansea, and Everton proved pivotal in Spurs finishing sixth and ultimately qualifying for next seasons Europa League.
The aim of a top four finish and a place in the Champions League was quickly quashed by Sherwood on numerous occasions upon taking the reins, admitting that the demands were unrealistic. He also restored the confidence and desire in players such as Kyle Naughton, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho and Erikson who up until then experienced a dip in performance levels.
The Style of play which he imposed upon the squad suited his favourable 4-4-2 formation. At times he had playmaker Christian Erikson deployed out wide particularly on the left, allowing him to drop back deep in search of possession.
Once in retention of the ball he would provide that distinctive pass or pin point cross to strikers Adebayor and Tom Kane.
Sherwood’s ability to confide in the younger players was also a positive in what had looked like a disastrous season for spurs which ended on a positive note with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa.
He often opted for youth rather than experience with Algerian Midfielder Nabil Bentaleb and Belgium full back Zeki Fryers playing key roles. The lowlight on his five months in charge was his grilling analysis on the subdued performance of certain individuals after the encounter with Chelsea.
Sherwood questioned several players’ ability, desire and mental strength especially when it came to the top games. Along with many others he was critical of the seven summer acquisitions drafted in to replace Gareth Bale.
In recent weeks Sherwood has compared himself to a supply teacher and claimed the uncertainty over his future has created a lack of respect among his players.
He stated that “If you have a supply teacher who comes into your school, sometimes they’re not treated with the respect that a headmaster is.”Despite this during his era at Spurs he has easily become one of the most quoted managers with his witty expressions and honesty being described as a breath of fresh air.
Sherwood stated “Perversely, I have enjoyed my time here and it’s been a fantastic learning curve.” He is now Odds on with Sky Bet to take over at Brighton and Hove Albion, although he has stated that his preference would be to manage in the top flight. West Brom could well be the next destination.
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