Tim out to revive Spurs hopes

Tim Sherwood will attempt to press his claims to remain in charge at Tottenham by securing a victory over West Bromwich Albion that would keep alive his side's fading top four hopes. Photo by: Darren Staples

Tim Sherwood will attempt to press his claims to remain in charge at Tottenham by securing a victory over West Bromwich Albion that would keep alive his side's fading top four hopes. Photo by: Darren Staples

Published Apr 11, 2014

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Birmingham, United Kingdom – Tim Sherwood will attempt to press his claims to remain in charge at Tottenham by securing a victory over West Bromwich Albion that would keep alive his side's fading top four hopes.

Sherwood's chances of retaining his job beyond the end of this season appear slim with reports of Spurs' interest in Holland coach Louis van Gaal gathering strength.

But Sherwood, who was hired on an 18-month contract after succeeding Andre Villas-Boas earlier this season, will enhance his reputation if he can revive the club's season in the final five games of the campaign.

Tottenham visit the Hawthorns in sixth place, five points behind Arsenal in fourth and four points behind Everton who have a game in hand.

Games are running out for the north London outfit, but their 5-1 victory over Sunderland on Monday provided a timely confidence boost.

And a repeat against another Premier League struggler will certainly increase the pressure on north London rivals Arsenal, who are on FA Cup semi-final duty this weekend.

The win against Sunderland brought two more goals for Emmanuel Adebayor whose return to form has been one of the successes of Sherwood's brief time in charge.

Christian Eriksen, the Denmark playmaker who arrived at the club from Ajax last year, contributed a goal and three assists to maintain his recent progress after an inconsistent first season in the Premier League.

The goal took Eriksen's tally to nine in 31 appearances and the player insists he has been happy with his contribution at his new club.

“It's been a pleasure playing here. I'm looking forward to the final games of the season,” Eriksen said.

“I knew it would be difficult from the beginning and it has been.

“Everything is new and I've had to adapt to a lot of new things, a lot of new people. It's been a fun time.

“I'm just doing my thing. I'm just lucky to be able to deliver something for the team.

“Against Sunderland we knew we had to bounce back from last week at Liverpool, we did that and hopefully we'll continue at West Brom.”

Meanwhile, West Brom head coach Pepe Mel claims the traumas which have engulfed the club have “united” them.

The Baggies are five points clear of the relegation zone following last weekend's win at Norwich Ä only Mel's second victory since taking charge.

The Spaniard has had to contend with a series of off-field issues since his arrival in January Ä including the fall-out from Nicolas Anelka's controversial 'quenelle' goal celebration, which eventually led to the Frenchman's exit, and a recent dressing room flare-up involving Saido Berahino and James Morrison following a draw with Cardiff.

But Mel, who hopes to name an unchanged team if Morrison shakes off a knock, said: “The players know now that the only route is to be united.

“The problems made us more united. All of the players have really helped and gone in the same direction. The dressing room has shown itself to be very professional.

“I don't mind if there are fights if in the following match we win.

“Is it healthy? No, but it's something that's normal among players and young players who are ambitious.

“The most important thing is what happens on May 12. I'm certain West Brom will still be in the Premier League.

“Each week we've had a different problem but these problems have been resolved. We will have a successful end.” – Sapa-AFP

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