Sherwood congratulates six-year-old on Villa job application
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Young Charlie Pye was left gobsmacked this week when he received a letter from Tim Sherwood informing him he'd been narrowly "pipped at the post" for the Villa manager's job.
Six-year-old Charlie, from Leamington Spa, wrote to chief executive Tom Fox offering his services for the vacant role in February - and thought nothing more of it.
But the JV-Life member couldn't believe his eyes as he opened his piece of post one morning and saw it was from the new boss - congratulating him on his credentials and wishing him all the best for the future.
In the initial letter, Charlie said: "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."
In his response, Tim said: "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 every success this season. Well done on being appointed captain. I was a captain during my own playing career - it's a special honour."
Charlie was overwhelmed when he read the response.
He told us: "I never expected a letter from the manager but I was absolutely delighted to get one.
"What he wrote was brilliant - it meant a lot to me. Even the stuff about congratulating me on being a captain was really special.
"I was really happy when he got the job because of his passion and I love him even more now. I think he will do brilliantly for the Villa. He already is!"