Soccer Saturday panellist tips Sherwood to utilise Villa's thriving academy
Saturday 14 February 2015 20:39, UK
Paul Merson believes Tim Sherwood is the right man to guide Aston Villa to Premier League safety.
Sherwood was appointed as manager until the end of the 2017/18 season following Paul Lambert's sacking on Wednesday.
Villa chairman Randy Lerner said the club acted decisively and quickly in finding Lambert's replacement, and Merson, who spent four years at Villa Park, believes Sherwood was the correct choice.
Over a long distance, I think Sherwood is the right man for the job at Villa. They haven't got any money at the moment and they're going to have work with young players and Tim doesn't mind throwing younger players into the team, as we saw during his time at Spurs.
"Over a long distance, I think Sherwood is the right man for the job at Villa," Merson told Soccer Saturday.
"They haven't got any money at the moment and they're going to have work with young players and Tim doesn't mind throwing younger players into the team, as we saw during his time at Spurs.
"He had a very good record at Tottenham, but he a lot better quality of player to work with at Spurs than he will have at Aston Villa, believe me on that one. That's where the hard work will come in.
"Over the distance, I'm glad Tim's come back in and he will give the youngsters the chance. Villa have got a very good academy and I'm sure he'll try to utilise that."
With Chris Ramsey appointed QPR manager until the end of the season on Friday, co-panellist Phil Thompson eluded to the fact Sherwood's primary choices for assistants at Villa Park may now be unavailable.
And Merson believes Sherwood may have difficulties finding experienced managers who are willing to work under him.
"The problem as well now, as Thommo said, is that he's got to bring someone else in," added Merson.
"You want experience, but that experienced person sometimes thinks 'hang on a minute, I don't really want to work with a younger superior'."
Matt Le Tissier believes Sherwood's appointment will open the door for academy prospects who weren't given the chance while Lambert was at the helm.
"The young lad Jack Grealish may benefit who is a very talented young player and he's the kind of player who might get more of a chance under Tim," said Le Tissier.
