text: Tim Sherwood has revealed he is still in touch with Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and even thanks the club's board for ending his time at White Hart Lane – as the decision has led to him taking over at Aston Villa. Levy sacked Sherwood as Spurs head coach at the end of last season and brought in Mauricio Pochettino, ending the 46-year-old's five-month stay in charge and six-year relationship with the club at development level. But rather than express bitterness at the split, Sherwood, who takes Villa to north London on Saturday, had nothing but praise for Levy, who joined in 2001, and his former employers. Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood watches his players in training at Bodymoor Heath on Thursday . Midfielder Tom Cleverley and his team-mates warm up as they prepare to face Tottenham on Saturday . 'I wouldn't be sitting here as Aston Villa manager if wasn't for Tottenham Hotspur,' Sherwood said. 'They've been very good to me over the years. I have a lot of respect for that football club but it's all about what I can give to Aston Villa at the weekend. 'I've been in communication with Daniel Levy since I've left, I haven't got a problem. He's the chairman of the club and he makes those decisions based on what he thinks is in their best interest. 'I was there the day he walked in to the club and he made some changes about three days after that. He got rid of George Graham and brought in Glenn Hoddle, that was in the weeks building up to the FA Cup semi final. 'He is not frightened of making decisions at crucial times. He has continued with that. You have to say Tottenham Hotspur is a far better club now than when he found it. Striker Christian Benteke was back in training after scoring a hat-trick against QPR on Tuesday night . Fabian Delph takes a touch as Villa's players get put through their paces at Villa's training ground . 'I look at their results because it is a club I spent good times at. Whatever has gone on, has gone on. I was relieved of my duties and walked out with my head held very high, I was pleased with what I did, but I respect the decision made by Daniel Levy and his board, they've been good for me. 'They only made that decision based on what they believe is best for the football club. I haven't got to agree with it. I just move on. 'I thank them because not being there now is the reason I am at this fantastic football club.' Sherwood also praised Pochettino for continuing to blood young players such as Harry Kane, Ryan Mason, and Nabil Bentaleb. Sherwood believes Mauricio Pochettino deserves credit for playing young players at Tottenham . Defender Ciaran Clark (centre) stretches as Sherwood prepares his side to visit White Hart Lane on Saturday . 'I do look back with pride,' added Sherwood. 'Especially if you're talking about the young players who have emerged to be regulars in the first team, there are probably three or four who are first names on that team sheet. That gives me immense pride. 'You have to give a lot of credit to Pochettino for sticking with them boys also. A lot of managers would have gone 'no thank you, give me some of those players who end in an I or an O from foreign countries, who might not be as good as these young players'. But he hasn't, he's stuck to plan, and I've got to give him a lot of credit for that. 'I think I was right because they've emerged as top talents. Harry Kane was exceptional. These are players who cost the club nothing, probably a hundred grand between them on what they've eaten through the years in that canteen! That's all.'
target: Aston Villa take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday, KO at 3pm .
  The match is Tim Sherwood's first game back at Spurs after being sacked .
  Sherwood is thankful for the opportunity he was given by Daniel Levy .
  Villa boss says Mauricio Pochettino deserves credit for playing young stars .
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