• Premier League

Sherwood gets stay of execution

Tim Sherwood has been open about his desire for a long-term stay as Tottenham manager © PA Photos

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Tottenham are ready to give head coach Tim Sherwood until the end of the season at least to prove he is up to the job.

Sherwood's passionate post-match attack on his players following Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Chelsea sparked suggestions the club may be tempted to change their manager for a second time this season, following Andre Villas-Boas's departure last December.

But a source has told ESPN that Sherwood will be allowed to continue in the job until the end of the season after getting the backing of chairman Daniel Levy in a meeting on Monday.

Sherwood had claimed "the silence was deafening" from the Tottenham hierarchy when he was asked about his long-term future in the job, making clear he would never be a No.2.

Holland coach Louis van Gaal has been strongly linked with taking over at Tottenham when his duties at the World Cup finals in Brazil end next summer, while Ajax coach Frank de Boer has also admitted his interest in the position.

Sherwood's contract lasts until the summer of 2015 and a top four finish, which is looking increasingly unlikely, was not set as a specific target for this season.

The club's former midfielder has made no secret of his desire to stay in charge at Spurs long term but accepts his future is dependent on results.

"If I don't match the expectations of the club then I will be off," Sherwood said last month. "I know there are big expectations at Tottenham and it is my job to try and live up to them."

Tottenham face a Europa League last-16 tie against Benfica on Thursday, before a must-win north London derby at home against Arsenal this Sunday.

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