Stiliyan Petrov - update

[Lastfootstamper]

I can understand the sentiment in retiring the number 19 shirt, my own preference would be to give it someone like Gary Gardner or Ashley Westwood. Imagine how much harder they'd try if they had Stan's shirt number.

All the best Stan, my lad who is only 7 is looking forward to waving to you tomorrow and wishing you all the best.

How I feel about all our shirts (well, 1 to 11, mostly. Modern bloody football!!).
The players that inherit them should be aware of the high esteem in which many of those that have worn their number throughout our history are held, and realise that the number on the back of an Aston Villa shirt is not something to be taken lightly. It comes with an obligation to strive to emulate those who have worthily worn it before.

[PeterWithesShin]

There's a giant pull-out poster in the Chelsea edition of the Villa News & Record.

Skipper Stan Petrov's career in claret and blue is being celebrated at the big-game, after news of his retirement was announced this week.

The match programme is a special edition dedicated to Petrov and features a wonderful memento in the middle pages.

It's a mega poster - one side features Stan celebrating his goal at Everton and on the other is his squad number - No.19.

You can keep it locked in the pages of the popular publication or perhaps hold it up as a mark of respect for the terrific club skipper during the game.

In terms of written content, you get two captains for the price of one.

Skipper Ron Vlaar is the man in focus in our exclusive player interview - after stepping aside for club skipper Petrov to write the captain's column.

Stiliyan, of course, was a regular columnist in the programme before being diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012.

And following the announcement of his retirement, we felt it only right that he should say a personal farewell to Villa supporters.

The man popularly known as Stan also features on the front cover of the programme for the game against Chelsea, while inside we trace his career in words and pictures.

Concrete Ron, meanwhile, talks at length about his debut season in claret and blue and his delight at scoring his first Villa goal - as well as giving his own tribute to the "inspirational" Petrov.

We also salute Gabby Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke for the scoring exploits which have seen them become Premier League record-breakers for the club.

And another prolific marksman, Juan Pablo Angel, is the subject of the My Favourite Villan feature, with trainee journalist Tara Lamb offering a female perspective on the Colombian striker.

Then there are the regular contributions from manager Paul Lambert and former Villa star Stan Collymore, while we conclude our series on Villa's Premier League campaigns with a look back at last season.

We're sure our "Stan Special" is one you will want to keep, and at £3 it's a great souvenir of a special occasion.

For even better, look out for our five-for-a-five programme bags, which contain the Chelsea edition, three back issues and a Villa poster book - all for just £5.

Back issues from the Liverpool, Fulham and Sunderland games will also be on sale at the programme kiosks.

Those who can't make it to the game can order the programme now on eBay.

[*shellac*]

Thanks Stan.

[PeterWithesShin]

Anyone else find a lot of dust getting into their eyes when Stan came out?

[Lastfootstamper]

Anyone else find a lot of dust getting into their eyes when Stan came out?

Positive sandstorm in the Trinity upper. Must be the weather.

[UK Redsox]

Seeing all the babies being carried onto the pitch, its no wonder Villa were crap for most of the season. There must have been plenty of sleepless nights.

How may kids has Gabby got ? 

[Summers]

In regards to the #19, I'd like to see Gardner wear it next season.

[Legion]

There are some right scumbags around:

[eastie]

There are some right scumbags around:

Indeed there are legion but best to not give these people the attention they seek .

[PeterWithesShin]

Another wannabe internet hardman. I wonder he didn't wander up and down Witton Lane shouting that or holding up a sign with it written on?

[dave.woodhall]

Another wannabe internet hardman. I wonder he didn't wander up and down Witton Lane shouting that or holding up a sign with it written on?

You think he's ever been to a game?

[PeterWithesShin]

Another wannabe internet hardman. I wonder he didn't wander up and down Witton Lane shouting that or holding up a sign with it written on?

You think he's ever been to a game?

No chance. I bet his favourite ever player is EBJT.

[Bully2345]

Knowing that it is impossible to retweet something from a private account, it appears he has changed settings after the comment. Must have received a fair bit of abuse and gone running for the hills.

Internet tittle tattle

[Walmley_Villa]

Bluenose scum - what do you expect?

[PaulWinch again]

Some people are just filth.