Tim Sherwood

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Sherwood holding Premiership trophy aloft Original Testamonial: Tim Sherwood's career at Rovers could not have started any lower and could not have reached higher levels. Kenny Dalglish signed Sherwood from Norwich's reserves, after an argument with the boss about how football should be played he was dumped into the second string. He'd already represented England under 21's but his strong personality even at that early stage of his career saw him being allowed to leave and join the then 2nd Division Blackburn. From day one at Blackburn he was up against it- he was a cockney with long hair called Timothy- and the Rovers fans did not take to him. Dalglish tried to squeeze him into the side playing him right wing which was a mistake considering his distinct lack of pace. Left out of the side he was not even on the bench for the Play Offs and seemed on his way out. With promotion achieved, Sherwood was then restored to the side and adapted to Premiership football far easier than the Nationwide. His ability to come deep for the ball, maintain posession and link defence with attack, and cover every blade of grass every game saw him slowly but surely win the fans over. In my opinion he had a touch of class, matched with a fiery determination which was recognised by Dalglish when he made him Skipper. Once captain of the side, the team and Sherwood never looked back. Terry Venables once pointed out that Sherwood had the ability to release the ball quickly allowing his team-mate time on the ball, Dave Bassett labelled him the best 'nuts and bolts' midfielder in the country. In 1994/95 he formed formidable partnerships with Mark Atkins and David Batty and at times carried the Rovers side through tough games. Those that travelled away from home in the 94/95 season will have noticed Sherwood screaming at his players to lift them particularly after conceding goals in the midst of cauldron atmospheres. I thought Sherwood's captaincy throughout that season was a major factor in our success. It's for this reason that I will vote for Tim Sherwood, not the greatest midfielder the club has ever had, but in recent times I feel the most important. Sherwood went on to win England caps his career deserved after joining Spurs from Blackburn and I would suggest if business interests don't rule his future would make an excellent manager. Tim Sherwood will always symbolise the greatest day of my life, Sherwood's hands were the first Blackburn hands to hold the Premiership Trophy and may well be the last for the long and distant future. Vote Sherwood for the Spirit of 95. Added for the shootout To me Tim Sherwood was the ultimate modern day footballer. Fully committed to the cause, 100% effort every game and the crucial ability to win a game with a bit of magic. Sherwoods ball control was first class, he could kill a ball stone dead with chest or boot. He was strong in the air and fierce in the tackle. During the Premiership winning season, Sherwood refused to lie down before any team whether he was alongside Atkins or Batty, any side needing to beat Rovers, had to battle against a strong relentless midfield. His pass completion was remarkable, every single game his completed passes ratio was the highest percentage of any Rovers player. What made this all the more commendable was Sherwood was always looking for the killer through ball which would open up defences. Alan Shearer knew his worth and regularly profited from such balls, the exquisite chipped ball played through to Shearer to equalise at Newcastle is one that immediately springs to mind, but there were many more. Sherwood was also a born leader, a fact Kenny Dalglish was quick to pick up on. Sherwood was often seen berating his defenders for conceding sloppy goals and equally effective at geeing them up. Sherwood went on to win the Supporters Player of the Year award later in his career before making Rovers a tidy profit when transferring to Tottenham for £4 million where he went on to represent England. Sherwood went from being a target of the Boo boys to being Premiership winning captain, winning the fans over in the meantime. For the sake of this vote, ask yourself, who was the better footballer ? Forrest or Sherwood ? If by some press of a key we were able to send this side out into a contest with a similarly selected side from Burnley, who would you rather have in your side ? Then vote Sherwood. Brownie