Aston Villa defender Micah Richards has claimed that manager Tim Sherwood did not deserve to be sacked.

Sherwood was axed after Villa lost 2-1 at home to Swansea City last weekend for what was their sixth successive Premier League defeat, leaving them rock bottom of the table.

Nevertheless, Richards, signed by the 46-year-old in the summer, believes that the ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss was on to a "really good thing".

"I wish he had a little bit more time because I think he was on to a really good thing," he told Sky Sports News.

"Everyone believes we know everything before it comes out but we don't. It's obviously a decision the board have taken and it's one which you have to get on with.

"Tim Sherwood was unbelievable to me, he got me playing back to my best."

Villa, under caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald, face Spurs away on Monday night. Former Lyon coach Remi Garde is among those reportedly vying to replace Sherwood.