Sam Tighe, lead writer for the Bleachers Report and contributor for CNN, Associated Press and avid Villa fan spoke to TVV about Villa’s season so far.
Here’s what he had to say:
TVV : Hi Sam, how are you judging Villa’s season so far?
Sam Tighe : Intriguingly solid, then awful for a significant stretch, and now finally quite fun. Sherwood is far from perfect, but he’s restored some energy and some verve, reminding us what it’s like to be happy—or at least content—when supporting Villa. The season is still one to put behind us, but it’s taken a dramatic turn for the better since Tim was appointed but Tim Sherwood has certainly made us all happy to support Villa again, so where do you see us next season with Sherwood in the dugout?ST: Obviously it completely depends on two key factors, both involving the transfer market. He’s never spent a coin in any window—Levy didn’t give him any money last January with Spurs—so who/how he recruits will be interesting. Lambert had a pattern (far-flung, cheap, foreign players) and Martin O’Neill had one too (British). Everyone has one. What will Tim’s be? The other factor is Benteke. A) Can we keep him? B) If not, will the funds be used appropriately? (á la Southampton under Koeman) and C) If he stays, can Sherwood unlock his consistent best?
If the summer goes even remotely well, this is 10th-12th-placed team.
TVV: Keeping the vultures away from Benteke would be key that is true, Another positive is our defense has been tighter in recent games, why do you think this is?
ST: Are we excusing the Queens Park Rangers game here?!?! That was shambolic, but as bad as Kieran Richardson was, Sherwood’s diamond gave him no protection whatsoever and five days later Matt Phillips had Cesar Azpilicueta on toast. In hindsight, it wasn’t as bad as perhaps it seemed. Sherwood has got the midfield revved up, and they’re running the hard yards in the defence. Also, Vlaar’s first game back was iffy, but as much as we despise him for his seemingly likely impending free exit, we know he makes a world of difference when he’s fit and playing.
TVV: Richardson doesn’t inspire much confidence at full back that is a point, what do you think has been the massive difference between Lambert and Sherwood this season
ST: Approach, demeanor, mentality, belief. All cliches, but all pretty much spot on. I’ve sat through Paul Lambert press conferences and he is one of the least inspiring, guarded, defeatist men in the sport. Nothing he says gives you belief. The fans got tired of the “we go again” and believe me, journalists did too.
TVV : Lambert didn’t inspire much belief, so its hard to think he would do much different with the players, However – Overall what do you make of Sherwood’s short reign?
ST: it’s been the kick up the arse a squad severely underperforming needed, and we’re now seeing plays crackle into form. Long overdue.
