Tim Sherwood dismisses Roy Keane’s job-hunting jibe

Tim Sherwood has dismissed comments by Roy Keane in his updated book that he positioned himself at Villa Park in attempt to take over as manager long before Paul Lambert was sacked.

In the soon-to-be-released updated version of Keane’s book ‘The Second Half’, the Republic of Ireland assistant boss suggests Sherwood attended the Villains’ home games in attempt to show his availability and interest in the job.

But speaking to reporters at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training complex, the Londoner dismissed the theory and joked if that was all it took to be given a manager’s job, then he would have watched Barcelona or Real Madrid.

“All I will say is that I went to watch a lot of football matches, probably 20 or 30 matches whilst I was out of work. That’s what I do,” protested Sherwood.

“But if that’s a formula to get yourself work, if it is, then next time I’m out of work I will go and position myself at the Nou Camp or the Bernabeu!”

Christian Benteke also took some stick from the Cork man for not scoring enough goals or at least attempting to score enough goals in training. But the Belgian striker has returned to his very best under Sherwood, scoring 11 goals in his last nine games in all competitions and his new manager insisted as long as he scores on match day, that’s all that matters.

“All I can say is how I’ve found him (Benteke) since I have come in and I can say he’s been very good,” said the 46 year old.

“He does score in training and more importantly he does score when we put him on the pitch when it matters so I’m pleased with him.”

Sherwood insisted he is in the dark about any potential Aston Villa takeover fronted by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams. The Villa manager admitted, though, his position could be in doubt if any deal is done for the Barclays Premier League club.

Adams has been linked by Sky News with a move for Villa as part of a consortium along with former Chelsea executive Paul Smith.

Owner Randy Lerner is in the country and was at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Thursday, although it was just a routine trip.

Sherwood said he was unaware of a takeover in the offing.

He said: “I haven’t heard anything. I know Tony but only through playing. He’s a good guy, I have a lot of respect for Tony.

“It’s out of my hands... if something happens it’s up to the someone who comes in to decide whether they want Tim Sherwood as their manager.”

Villa host West Ham on Saturday, and stand just two points above the relegation zone with three games to go.