Stan Petrov

[Vancouver]

When I saw his first game away to West Ham I thought he was fantastic. Someone to link the midfield and forwards. Then he dropped back into the holding role which was ok for me. But in this new system of him and another holding allowing the wingers to play is working. The other holding midfielder does give him a little bit freedom to join the play rather than sit back. Someone else mentioned it but he keeps the ball well which is what you need. Tugay at Blackburn was fantastic just sitting in the middle playing little passes and he retired at what, nearly 40. We can keep Stan going for a few more years yet

[TheSandman]

I've stuck up for him for a long time. I don't even think it's that he's a better player this season. It's just that without our more skillful players who've played alongside Stan in past years we have truly started to appreciate the understated but vital job he does for the team.

Bet Pubehead tries to take him to Sunderland.

[garyshawsknee]

I was one who thought he should be put out the pasture during the summer,but this season he's been our best performer,rarely gives the ball away,has good vision,keeps play moving,and now with younger legs next to him in midfield he can get forward a lot more.

 An important guy to have in the squad with all the youngsters we have, could make a good coach.

[midnite]

I think you're right there Gary. He'll make a great coach. I've gone from not bothered of we kept him or not to really hoping he doesn't go anytime soon. Especially up to Sunderland. He is an important player for us. We're finally getting the right balance again in midfield and it would be a shame to disrupt it now. AM whether by accident through injuries or not seems to of found the right role for Petrov. The fact he's scored 4 (I think) so far this season is brilliant. It's really important that we get midfielders scoring goals. Him and Ireland I hope will get 20 goals between them.

[dave.woodhall]

The fact he's scored 4 (I think) so far this season is brilliant. It's really important that we get midfielders scoring goals. Him and Ireland I hope will get 20 goals between them.

We've had entire midfields that haven't scored that many all season.

[midnite]

I know. I'm being extremely over ambitious. Ha!

It's just nice to have midfielders scoring goals. It's not happened enough with villa. It's always been a bit of an Achilles heel

[dave.woodhall]

I know. I'm being extremely over ambitious. Ha!

It's just nice to have midfielders scoring goals. It's not happened enough with villa. It's always been a bit of an Achilles heel

I can think of David Platt and possibly Ian Taylor who have been regular midfield goalcorers in 20-odd years.

[Somniloquism]

Anyone know if his injury was serious or just a precaution? It looked like a groin or thigh strain on the full match highlights yesterday. Herd back in against Swansea? Or a GG start?

[midnite]

Merson maybe? How many would Gaz baz score from open play in a season?

[Ian.]

Didn't Garry Parker would notch a few? Or was it that his goals were always a bit special that I tend to remember him scoring regularly?

[dave.woodhall]

At a quick glance I think they all scored not many, but either spectacular or vital goals. Barry got more than I thought.

[PeterWithesShin]

Hendrie chipped in with a few.

[Mister E]

Ray Houghton bagged a few, and Kevin Richardson weighed in with one or two.

[PeterWithesShin]

Weren't most of of them penalties for Fat Baz though?

[usav]

Invaluable to us. For so long he was a scapegoat for many, particularly those who listen to others moaning and moronically repeat it ad nauseam. A most hard working and inspirational player.

Spot on.

Last season when he was injured it was clear to see we missed him terribly.