Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has told the six-year-old boy who applied for the manager's job that the club will keep his letter on file in case he is needed in the future.

Charlie Pye ambitiously wanted to take the reins at Villa Park after Paul Lambert was sacked in February, but Sherwood was handed the role instead.

In a kind-hearted reply to the youngster, Sherwood wrote: "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."

After receiving the letter, Charlie told Villa's official website: "I never expected a letter from the manager but I was absolutely delighted to get one."

Villa are currently six points above relegation in the Premier League table.