Petrov has Leukaemia

[johncvilla88]

Personally think it should be, I know we ain't favorites for a result tomorrow and probably lose anyway on are current form. But like a few people said it depends on the players state of mind.

[richardhubbard]

Awful news , get well Stan

Come on villa players, pull your finger out for your mate and captain

[KevinGage]

You can just tell he's a really nice bloke, and IMO, perfect captain material, especially to the youngsters. never given anything less than 100% for Villa, let us hope we can reciprocate and get him through this.

Good luck Stan. X

Well said Perce.

The impression I get is that he's popular amongst all the playing staff, from the youngsters to the established stars. 

He's not a tub thumping fist clenching stereotype like an Adams or Terry, he leads by example and is a dedicated, decent pro.  With the amount of shithouses in the game (and we have a few on our books)  players of that ilk stand out from the crowd.  Even if there have been signs over the past 12-18 months that he's past his best, he's still the type of player most sides would want to have around for all the good qualities he still has in abundance. 

[Chicago_Villa]

Different circumstances I know to Muamba, but shouldn't the game be called off?  I imagine the entire club are going to be in total shock.

Depends on the players I suppose, maybe they will want to play for Stilyan? I guess we'll hear something soon enough.

I would imagine that Stan would be telling the players to "get your asses out there and give it all you have got. Don't leave an ounce on the field"

[Steve R]

Absolutely terrible news. Get in there and fight it, Stan.

We're with you.

[Surrey Villain]

If it is called off I would have no complaint but if it goes ahead let's ALL get down there, put protests aside and roar the team on for Stan.

[Singapore Villa]

You can beat it Stan.  Hang in there and fight.  Best wishes from Singapore.

[Small Rodent]

Always sounded a decent bloke. A Bulgarian Villa fan, Yordi, I met years ago has often been in receipt of tickets and indeed the company of Stan and his wife.

[john e]

very sad news, hasnt sunk in yet. 

keep fighting Stan

[itbrvilla]

At work sitting at my computer and this has knocked me for 6.  Feels a bit unreal like I'm in a dream.  Get well soon Stan. We're all behind you!!!

[Witton Warrior]

Sobering news. If good wishes could heal then Stan would be fine.

[MarkM]

All the best Stan.

You always gave it your all for the Villa

[The Laughing Policeman]

Just seen this on BBC News.
Hope you can beat it Stan. Sorry I don't know what else to say.

[DeKuip]

ALL get down there, put protests aside and roar the team on for Stan.

Too right – if I see anyone protesting about anything as trivial as the manager or his style of play, or whether Heskey's playing, or whether their pie's cold I will punch them.

At times like this we all pull together. Best wishes skipper, we're all behind you.

[TonyDaleysHair]

Dig deep Stan, all the very best!