Tim Sherwood: If I die at Aston Villa, I die on my sword
Monday 19 October 2015 08:48, UK
Tim Sherwood says he would rather 'die on his sword' than abandon his principles at Aston Villa.
Several Sunday newspapers linked David Moyes with the manager's job at Villa after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea left them third-bottom and without a Premier League win since the opening day.
But Sherwood struck a defiant note in the aftermath of the Stamford Bridge game and is adamant he will lead Villa through their poor run his way or no way.
"I'm trying to instil in them not to be scared to lose," he said. "If anyone should be scared to lose then it should be me. But I'm not.
"I want to go out on the front foot and, if I die, I die on my sword. Why do we need to be more pragmatic? I would never be pragmatic. I've done it a few times but I don't like myself for it.
"I can only control what I can do and I remain confident in that. The boys have responded. I need the boys to respond and I think they did and did what I asked them to."
Next up is a home game against Swansea, and Sherwood has told his players to follow his lead and front up to get out of trouble.
"We are in it again and we'll get through it," he said. "If we do, then this group of players will grow. If you want to play for a big club like Villa then you've got to take pressure, otherwise play for a smaller club in a lesser league.
"I realise that comes with pressures, with the manager as well, and I hope they can see me. I won't shirk away."
