Petrov. The gezza comment

[pmk1981]

As we have prob all seen houllier has given faith to petrov and won't take the captaincy off him.  But he has said he wants more leadership from other players. To me this says that he doesn't really feel petrov has all the qualities to be a captain but doesn't want to cause a stink by taking it off him Mid season.  I can see petrov leaving in summer or the captaincy given to someone else next season

[Ger Regan]

Is how I see it as well. It was well played by Houllier i think, as taking the captaincy would guarantee some friction in the squad just as everyone should be pulling together.

[Risso]

Where are these comments from?

[Chris Smith]

I think you're reading too much into it. I think all successful sides have many leaders on the pitch and he's just saying he wants others to take more responsibility rather than being any sort of dig at Petrov.

[VillaAlways]

On the OS

[Concrete John]

I think NRC and Dunne are the natural leaders in our side.  Stan will keep it for now, but I'd expect a new man to have the armband by the start of next season.

[pmk1981]

I'd give it James Collins with out any hesitation

[adrenachrome]

Where are these comments from?

]Petrov to keep armband

(UKPA) – 2 hours ago

Stiliyan Petrov will continue as Aston Villa captain under new manager Gerard Houllier.
The Bulgarian international was given the armband in succession to Gareth Barry two years ago when the midfielder looked destined to move to Liverpool before eventually signing for Manchester City 12 months later.
Houllier said: "I won't change captain. The captain is not only the leader on the field. He is a leader by example."
The Frenchman added: "He knows what we want to do anyway. I prefer to rely on a group of leaders, two or three players - not only one person.
"One can be the technical leader, one can be the energiser, one can be the captain."
Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor remains Houllier's main injury concern ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at Tottenham.
The England player has been troubled by calf and now groin problems during the current campaign.
But his forward partner John Carew (back) and defender Richard Dunne (knee) are expected to be back in contention for the trip to White Hart Lane.

[Le Lapin]

Looks like the team will have a passenger for the forseeable future then. Ah well.
Petrov needs to up his game for us dramatically.

[Pete3206]

GH is hardly going to come out and say "Christ he's slow isn't he? And he disappears after 60 minutes"
I don't expect Petrov to be at the club beyond this season.

[Damo70]

Give it to Collins, he would be a better captain and it might give Petrov a kick up the backside.

[PaulTheVillan]

Gezza?

FFS.

Petrov shouldn't be a captain.

Petrov a leader by example? Are we only playing 60 minute games from now on then?

[Chris Smith]

Give it to Collins, he would be a better captain and it might give Petrov a kick up the backside.

To my mind if everyone is fit Collins will struggle to get in ahead of Dunne and Cuellar and doesn't strike me as captain material anyway.

I'm happy to trust the manager on this.

[usav]

I'm happy to trust the manager on this.

(c) Chris Smith 2002-Present.

[Phil from the upper holte]

All he's saying is more people should be leaders on the pitch and I agree! Petrov is getting a bit of unfair stick really. We all know we need better but for now we have to go with it.

Collins is vocal as is NRC, Maybe Petrov is a model for the players off the pitch also.