Tim Sherwood disappointed by Aston Villa sacking but ‘I have learned a lot’

Tim Sherwood was sacked by Aston Villa after just eight months in charge.

Tim Sherwood has expressed his disappointment after being sacked by Aston Villa.

The 46-year-old, who was dismissed on Sunday eight months after replacing Paul Lambert, said in a statement: "I am very disappointed that I will not be able to carry on in my role as manager of Aston Villa.

"I knew when I took on the role that it would be a big challenge but it proved to be one I greatly enjoyed and I know I have learned a lot from this experience.

"The initial priority was to stay in the Premier League but beating Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and then leading the team out for the final was an achievement and experience I will treasure for the rest of my career.

"I’d like to thank my coaching staff and the staff throughout the club for their dedication, the Villa fans for their passionate support and the players, who gave everything during my time at the club. I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season and indeed for the future."

The former Lyon coach Rémi Garde is the favourite to replace him, although reports last night suggested the move may have hit a stumbling black as the club are having trouble securing the signatures of the assistants, Gerald Baticle and Robert Duverne, the Frenchman wants to bring with him.

Sherwood was sacked after Villa’s sixth straight defeat – a 2-1 home defeat to Swansea – kept them rooted in the Premier League relegation zone and without a win since the opening day. He had kept Villa up last season as well as leading them to the FA Cup final in May, where they lost 4-0 to Arsenal. The former Lyon manager Rémi Garde is the favourite to replace him.