Give it to Villa straight promises Sherwood

don’t do well, they will also be told – and told why. You have to be constructive.

“Some people need to be patted on the back. Some people need a kick up the backside at the right time and I need to be the one to do that.

“It hurts me to lose but I want those players to know I’m on their side. It’s not them and us. We’re all on the same side. I can’t believe anyone hurts more than me when I lose football matches. But I want to see them hurting when they lose and happy when they win.

“There is no better feeling than when the fi nal whistle goes and they have won.

“I’ll demand that they show guts. I don’t mind playing badly. What I can’t tolerate is a lack of desire and effort because people are coming to watch them play. I demand that.

“If they aren’t giving it, then they’re not going to play.

“I’m not sure exactly what it will take to survive, I’m not an expert on that. I know some guys do all the maths but I think 40 points you safe.” Sherwood is aware of the pressure, though.

“I am nervous all the time,” he said. “But I am excited about it, about the challenge ahead. “My biggest fear is failure but players cannot fear losing. I

should

keep think they fear it too much. Yes, losing has to hurt but they cannot worry about it.”

Sherwood has been linked with almost every single managerial job going since he left White Hart Lane last summer. He claimed he turned down West Brom at the second time of asking and was also close to the QPR job, which went to his close friend and former right- hand man Chris Ramsey, left. Now, ironically, the pair face a relegation scrap.

“I hope he quivers and makes a mess of it,” said Sherwood jokingly. “Seriously, though, it’s a great opportunity for Chris – he has been in the game at every level: non- League, up the divisions. If anyone deserves an opportunity, he does.”