Tim Sherwood receives backing from Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy following heavy Chelsea defeat

Tim Sherwood today received reassurance that he has the full backing of the Tottenham hierarchy following the Spurs manager’s comments at the weekend that he is uncertain over his future at White Hart Lane.

The Evening Standard has confirmed that chairman Daniel Levy was due to meet Sherwood today, with the pair maintaining regular contact throughout the 45-year-old’s reign as manager since Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.

It was expected that Sherwood was to hear a positive report of his time in charge even though a number of big-name managers have been linked with the club, with reports claiming Sherwood would be replaced in the summer. Both Holland coach Louis van Gaal and Ajax manager Frank De Boer have fuelled those flames by signalling interest, with the latter claiming he was approached for the role before Sherwood was appointed.

There are also thought to have been tentative talks with Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, who is highly regarded by Spurs technical director Franco Baldini. It is believed Sherwood would welcome greater clarity from the club on where he stands and Spurs were planning to inform him that, as far as the club are concerned, nothing has changed since he took over nearly three months ago.

Friends of Sherwood said he was approaching today’s meeting with Levy with no intention of abandoning his position early, even though he appeared particularly deflated in the wake of the match at Stamford Bridge.It is thought the results he has achieved since taking the job — eight wins from 13 League games and qualification for the last 16 of the Europa League — have largely been well received.

Tottenham stress they have not approached any other manager since Sherwood took the job and have emphasised that the club’s former development coach holds a contract until the end of next season. Sherwood is, however, expected to be reminded of the need for tact when speaking publicly, following his explosive post-match interview after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Sherwood questioned the character of some of his players following that result and, when asked about Spurs’ prospects of qualifying for the Champions League, he said: “Everyone in the club talks about fourth. Wake up.” While Tottenham accept Sherwood is a forthright character and acknowledge his desire to speak openly, it is likely to be suggested to him that he might be wiser to keep criticism of his squad within the walls of the dressing room.

The club were also keen to point out that Sherwood had never been asked to finish in the top four when he succeeded Villas-Boas. They insist that Champions League qualification will not be the decisive factor in whether or not Sherwood is retained.

Standard Sport understands, however, that Sherwood is unlikely to take a softer approach with his players. The head coach believes strongly that, at a crucial stage of the season and in light of performances against the Premier League’s best teams, a hard line is required.

Meanwhile, Tottenham will appeal against the red card shown to Younes Kaboul at Stamford Bridge. The defender was sent off in the incident that led to the penalty which gave Chelsea their second goal but he appeared to have made little contact with Samuel Eto’o before the forward fell.

The Football Association were expecting to deliver their verdict tomorrow and if referee Michael Oliver’s decision is overturned, Kaboul would be free to play in Sunday’s derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

Jan Vertonghen is the club’s only available centre-back at the moment, with Kaboul suspended and Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches both out with injuries.