Tim Sherwood adds Mark Robson and Seamus Brady to Aston Villa backroom

Tim Sherwood has confirmed Mark Robson as Aston Villa's new first-team coach and also added Seamus Brady to his backroom staff.

Former Barnet boss Robson had been working with the Football Association in England's junior set-up since leaving his role on the Norwich City coaching staff in November.

He replaces Scott Marshall who, ironically, he also took over from when Marshall left his role as Norwich U21 boss in 2012 to join Villa.

Brady has been named as performance analyst, having filled a similar role with Tottenham while Sherwood was part of their staff, but the new Villa boss says he is in no rush to name an assistant manager.

Sherwood said: "Mark came in to Tottenham a lot, I have watched him work and watched his teams play when they came to play us. He is diligent, organised and gives me exactly what I need in the role I want him to play.

"I am still giving thought to the assistant manager, whoever I bring in will be the correct one for myself and the football club.

"I'll make sure I'll get that one right. I would rather not jump into it. I want someone for the long-term at the club, to help me build it."

Lerner's well wishes

Sherwood met Villa chairman Randy Lerner on Tuesday as he checked in on training to see how the club's players are taking to Sherwood's new methods.

He added: "We had a good chat, he wished me all the best and, whatever decision chairmen make, they do it for the best of the club and Randy is no different. He wished me well.

"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.

"I really think they (the players) are buying into what I'm trying to tell them, 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 (against Stoke)."

Vlaar Future

Sherwood is yet to talk to Ron Vlaar about the skipper's future, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, and the boss has prioritised survival for now.

"I'm not sure what the club have done with that," Sherwood added.

"Obviously the club want to keep their best players. I'm sure the club will endeavour to try and keep Ron.

"It's not really for now. The focus is picking the right team and Ron focusing on playing and doing the best for the club.

"I know it's an obvious statement but none of them want to get relegated. It's all right saying it they just have to show it."

But the ex-England midfielder insisted the Holland international is key to Villa's survival hopes this season.

"I was very impressed with him (against Leicester)," Sherwood said.

"You need experience. Depending how long they have been here, unfortunately they have experienced themselves getting out of trouble at the end of the season.

"We need to try and do that this season and then try to look forward. First things first, we need to stay in the division."