He pipped him to the post at Villa Park but at least Tim Sherwood had the good sense to reply to Charlie Pye to make sure there was no ill-wishes between the two.
Charlie spoke to the Aston Villa website today about his surprise at seeing an official letter in the post this morning and realising it was from the new Villa boss. The six year old was delighted to receive the letter but if things had gone differently, Charlie might be the one deciding whether to start Jack Grealish or not.
He applied for the top job at the same time as Sherwood and although the club decided to go with the ex-Spurs man, at least Charlie knows there's no hard feelings given that Sherwood made sure to write to the youngster personally.
Of course you could say this is all a very well staged to get idiot headline writers to write things like 'good guy Tim Sherwood' but then you'd just be cynical. And probably correct.
Anyway we'll take off our cynical hat for a minute and enjoy some of young Charlie's original letter.
I think my team talks would be very good and my tactics would be excellent. We need to stop the goals by getting in the way. We need to score more by shooting on target. This is a winning formula, so my dad says.
As for payment on taking the job, all I ask is for a signed claret and blue football, a WWE wrestling figure and some sweets. As a win bonus each week, I would want a Twix.
I would appoint my mum and dad as assistant managers so they can drive me to the training ground each day. My mum is also very good at making bacon sandwiches for the players if that helps.
If I am successful, I would also need you to tell my school that I don't need to attend anymore as I have a job.
And here's Sherwood's reply:
From your letter it is clear to see that you would indeed be an ideal candidate for the job due to your knowledge of the game – and your very capable backroom staff, of course!
Hopefully you’re not too disappointed at missing out and I’m informed that I just managed to pip you to the post so you were very close to being offered the job.
Our chief executive Tom Fox has informed me that the club would like your permission to keep the letter on file ‘just in case’ – although I’m hoping I will be successful at this great football club. I will certainly be aiming to make you and all the other supporters happy.
In terms of your football career, I want to wish Norton Lindsey [Charlie’s Sunday League team] every success this season. Well done on being appointed captain. I was a captain during my own playing career – it’s a special honour.
Okay that's long enough, cynical hat going back on again.
