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Tim Sherwood is facing his first crisis as Aston Villa boss.

Sherwood is in the relegation zone after just one win so far - on opening day against promoted Bournemouth - and has been left frustrated by Villa’s poor start to the Premier League campaign.

Ex-Spurs midfielder Sherwood wants more of a say on transfers in future after the club’s head of recruitment Paddy Reilly and sporting director Hendrik Almstadt recommended deals in the summer.

It is understood Sherwood has made his feelings known to the club’s hierarchy, including chief executive Tom Fox, after they went for overseas signings who lack Premier League experience.

Sherwood wanted the likes of Aaron Lennon, Andros Townsend and Emmanuel Adebayor from former club Tottenham.

(Image: Ian Walton)

But he ended up with Jordan Amavi, Jordan Veretout and Adama Traore taking up the majority of the £32.5m fee they received from Liverpool for Christian Benteke.

The Villans have struggled badly for form and Sherwood knows he needs to turn results around very quickly to get out of danger.

Almstadt was brought in from Arsenal in the summer and was known for recruiting players based on statistics. Sherwood was concerned enough to make discreet enquiries about Almstadt before his arrival.

Sherwood also brought in Ray Wilkins to his coaching staff to provide some experience, having worked alongside Chris Ramsey at Tottenham but his former coach is now in charge at QPR.

In pictures - Aston Villa 0 - 1 Stoke:

The Villa boss has also told young midfielder Jack Grealish to get fitter and has laid on a mini pre-season for the 19-year-old who was blocked from joining up with England to train with Roy Hodgson’s squad.

Grealish has been in to see Sherwood this season as he looks to try to get a consistent run in the team which is central to Villa’s survival hopes.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers)

Villa are already four points adrift of 17th-placed West Brom after losing six of their last seven games and face a difficult run of fixtures once play resumes next weekend following the international break.

Chelsea, Swansea, Southampton, Tottenham, Manchester City and Everton make up their next six matches.

The fans vented their frustration at Sherwood after their home defeat to Stoke in the last game before the internationals, and now he must turn it around very quickly.