Stiliyan Petrov - update

[Tuscans]

Future Villa manager?

[Fergal]

I am so glad Stan will be staying at the club.  He has been a model professional and deserves his chance.

[FourOaksVillan]

Brilliant decision by Stan and the club, so pleased for all

Also great positive publicity for AVFC, it demonstrates the Villa family ethos.

I can certainly see Petrov being groomed for a future Villa manager one day.

[Concrete John]

Number one academy in the country... Why isn't this shouted from the roof tops?

Because we're better than the classless clubs that can't stand a day going by without them being headlined on Sky Sports News.

[not3bad]

Number one academy in the country... Why isn't this shouted from the roof tops?

Because we're better than the classless clubs that can't stand a day going by without them being headlined on Sky Sports News.

Indeed.  "We know what we are".

[Clampy]

That's nice news and well done to the club for offering him it. Hope he enjoys it and does well.

[PaulWinch again]

Great news, his experience will be great for the youngsters.

[Lambert and Payne]

Bloody hell the door didn't even close on his way out!! Welcome back, Staniel!

[The Left Side]

Wonderful stuff, I love our club!

[Toronto Villa]

The most important part of this news is that Stan is well enough to do it.

[Pete3206]

Lets hope Stan can motivate Stephen Ireland to have a great season in the youth team.

[manic-road]

Great news, happy he is staying with the club.

[gervilla]

Good news indeed.
Another reason to be proud of our club.

[Monty]

Petrov and Cowans would have been an exceptional midfield combination - skillful, hard working, positionally brilliant, superb range of passing and industry-leading intelligence and calm. Hopefully they can pass on this to the next generation, especially the last bit - as SGT said in that depressing England film, you play football with your heads.

[KevinGage]

Stan's value to the club went beyond what he was able to do on the pitch, particularly in the latter years. 

The likes of Bannan, Albrighton and co were always at pains to point out how he made the transition from youth team to first team easier, by looking out for the younger players and making them feel a part of things. 

Previous captains we've had -even if they've been better players-  have been looking out for themselves first and foremost.  Think Southgate, Barry and Young.

His style of play often used to infuriate many, let's not forget.  Sideways and backwards passes.  But I think that's the role he had to take on, for the good of the team. It wasn't 100% his natural game.

  When the situation allowed it, he was capable of some Cowans-esque breathtaking passes too.     A volleyed pass with the outside of the boot to send Ashley Young clear at Tottenham away a few years back sticks in the mind.

But anyone who places such a strong emphasis on retaining possession as Stan did will be a welcome addition to our backroom staff. If our kids are getting that drilled into them in their formative years, they have a chance.