Aston Villa appoint Tim Sherwood as their new manager

Aston Villa have confirmed the appointment of Tim Sherwood as their new manager.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager has signed a contract until the end of the 2017/18 season at Villa Park to replace Paul Lambert, who was sacked this week.

Sherwood will lead the club for the first time in Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash against Leicester City.

"It is a great honour to manage one of the biggest clubs in English football," Sherwood told Villa's official website.

"I can't wait to get started and I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

Sherwood, who won 14 of his 28 games in charge of Tottenham after being named Andre Villas-Boas' successor in December 2013, will be tasked with saving Villa's miserable season that sees them currently sat in the relegation zone.

Villa chairman Randy Lerner said: "While being forever conscious of the frustrations that we all suffer, we feel that a change that offers a positive, fresh approach will be very good for the club.

"I know that Tom and many others at Villa worked very hard to recruit Tim in the face of severely limited time constraints and pounding pressure.

"More importantly, I know further that internally we remain focused and committed to challenges we face, and I am deeply appreciative for that."