Tim Sherwood: Tottenham manager struggles to keep dignity amid others 'touting' to replace him

Sherwood is expected to be replaced at the end of the season

Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood admitted last night that he has struggled to keep his “discipline and dignity” while uncertainty remains over his future and again accused Louis van Gaal, now favourite for the Manchester United vacancy, of “touting” for his job.

Sherwood, widely expected to be replaced at the end of the season, also criticised former Spurs and England manager Glenn Hoddle after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City kept alive his chance of equalling last season’s Premier League record points tally of 72.

“Every press conference I do, it’s about this manager or that who’s coming, whether it be Van Gaal or Hoddle or whoever,” Sherwood said. “Some of these managers are actually touting themselves for my job and that doesn’t sit well with me. It has been hard. I’ve had to keep my discipline and dignity and pride and just get on with the job.”

Hoddle has irritated Sherwood with comments in his role as a TV pundit; the shadow of Van Gaal has loomed since Andre Villas-Boas was sacked in December.

Sherwood seems to accept his tenure will end after the final two matches of the season but said he was proud of his record of 12 wins in 20 Premier League games.

“My brief was to help us score more goals,” he said. “We’d scored 15 from 16 games when I took over and we have 37 from 20 since, so I think I tick that box.

“It’s always about me keeping the seat warm for somebody else. I am, but the seat is getting quite hot.”