Tim Sherwood ‘flies the flag for other English managers’ by seeking to stay on at Spurs

‘I’ve had so many well-wishers, especially English managers, who all want me to do well,’ says Tim Sherwood (Getty Images)

As he tries to keep his job at Tottenham Hotspur for next season, Tim Sherwood craves success not only to improve his own prospects, but those of English managers seeking an opportunity at the highest level.

Sherwood is fighting to remain Spurs head coach beyond the end of the current campaign as chairman Daniel Levy considers his options.

Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands coach with whom Tottenham are believed to have held discussions last year, is keen to move to the Premier League, while several other high-profile coaches are likely to be available in the summer.

Sherwood’s brash style, in and out of the dug-out, has brought admirers and detractors alike. Levy’s verdict is the only one that matters but if he decides to keep faith with Sherwood, the 45 year-old believes it will help many of his home-grown colleagues.

“I’ve had so many well-wishers, especially English managers, who all want me to do well,” said Sherwood, whose team face Southampton in the Premier League tomorrow. “I feel the pressure because I want to fly the flag for English managers.

“I really want to do well, not only for myself and the football club, but hopefully a lot of chairmen and managers are looking. I want to do it my way.

“I know I’m in a privileged position, to be given this opportunity at a big club when a lot of other managers start at a different level, but that hasn’t spoilt their enthusiasm in wishing me well.”