LONDON: Tim Sherwood will continue his crash-course introduction to management as he attempts to ensure Tottenham avoid another home disappointment when Stoke visit White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Sherwood marked his first game since agreeing an 18-month contract to succeed Andre Villas-Boas as Tottenham boss with a frustrating draw against struggling West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.
That extended Spurs’ poor run of form on home turf where they have failed to win in four Premier League and exited the League Cup at the hands of West Ham.
Tottenham’s continuing inconsistency has left them five points adrift of the Premier League’s top four going into the next round of matches and midfielder Lewis Holtby admits anything other than victory over Mark Hughes’ Stoke side will be a major blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
The former Spurs midfielder admits chairman Daniel Levy has taken a chance in appointing but is convinced he will rise to the challenge.
“It’s a gamble because I’ve never done it before,” Sherwood said. “But there are a lot of good managers who had never done it before and become a success.
“I was never a professional player until I stepped on the field.”
Sherwood hopes to welcome Aaron Lennon back into his squad after the winger missed the West Brom clash with a stomach strain, but Jermain Defoe and Mousa Dembele are rated doubtful.
Brazil midfielder Paulinho returns after suspension but right-back Kyle Walker serves a one-match ban. - AFP
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