Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has dismissed claims that he is simply a stop-gap coach until a more high-profile candidate can be appointed in the summer.

The 44-year-old initially took temporary charge of the first team at White Hart Lane following Andre Villas-Boas's dismissal. However, he has now been given a permanent deal until the end of next season.

Despite the short contract, Sherwood insists that he is insulted by the suggestion that he is a stop-gap, though admits that there is a pressure to win games at the club.

"I regard [being thought of as a stop-gap option] as an insult, but it is only an insult if I go and win all the games," Sherwood told reporters.

"What can we do? If we win all the games and someone else comes in and keeps it and brings someone else in after I've won the league, then I'm off to Real Madrid."

Spurs played out a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.