Tim Sherwood: 'We will get through tough period'

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has called on the club's fans to help his side against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.

Villa head into the match having suffered seven defeats in eight Premier League games, and speculation persists that the former Tottenham Hotspur boss is on the brink of losing his job at Villa Park.

However, despite Villa sitting four points adrift of safety, Sherwood has backed his team to come through what he describes as a "transitional" spell.

The 46-year-old told reporters: "It's obviously a transition period. I am proud to be Aston Villa manager.

"We will need Villa Park bouncing tomorrow. We need the help of the fans. We will get through it."

Villa are yet to win at home in the top flight this season, with their last triumph coming on May 9.