Stiliyan Petrov - update

[dave shelley]

On his debut against West Ham, I remember him playing quite well and at some stage, lobbed the 'keeper with a sublime bit of skill and the ball was heading into the net only for Tyrone Mears? to manage to get back and clear it off the line.  Stan seemed somewhat deflated after that and I always felt in the hard first year; had that gone in, his confidence would have been sky high and perhaps he wouldn't have had such a difficult time settling.

[supertom]

One step at a time. We'll see if he can cope with the intensity of the new fitness and training regime (that is apparently going to be implemented). It's then up to him to catch RDM's eye and prove he's worth a punt in a few pre-season games. And then? Who knows. My fingers are crossed he turns out in the Championship for us. That would make my season then and there.

[eddiemunster]

Is it true that he's been given a position as part of the backroom staff?

[footyskillz]

Just wonderful. I saw on sky sports newss earlier villa has tweeted out stan back in training with first team. Certainly can do with more leaders and he is one who can lead and also inspire . Hope work's out for him and right behind him. Decent still to compete in midfield if not a role at club is defo on cards. God bless Stan .

[Toronto Villa]

Happy Birthday Stan!! Great to have you around again. You're an inspiration to everyone.

[The Laughing Policeman]

Happy Birthday Stan. I just wish we had a few more at Villa Park with your grit and determination.

[sirlordbaltimore]

Not long before Stan was diagnosed and had to retire, I made a quote on a match thread that I'd be happy to never see him in a Villa shirt again. I'd really got tired of him as a player and frustration blew over when I made that comment. Looking back maybe his condition was playing a part in his performances at the time.

But believe me, from the day he called time on his Villa career to now i've never wanted to take any words back as much as those.

He was never my favourite player (even though i'm also a Celtic follower) but what he always was was honest and a model pro. I've been lucky enough to meet him a few times as well and he came across as a top class bloke. And he's been nothing short of an inspiration since the whole leukemia thing started.

I pray he'll make the grade this summer and get a squad number for that alone. I'm rooting for you Stan x

[Risso]

Looks pretty fit in the photos to be fair.

[Malandro]

Looks pretty fit in the photos to be fair.

What a wonderful set of images. He should be very proud, inspiration doesn't do him justice.

[chrisw1]

Has anybody heard any reports of how he did yesterday?

[Toronto Villa]

Looks pretty fit in the photos to be fair.

There's a picture of him today training after we signed Tshibola and he certainly isn't carrying any Gabby handles. Looks very lean indeed.

[Dave Cooper please]

Has anybody heard any reports of how he did yesterday?

To be honest, who cares? He's fit, free of cancer and playing football, that's all that matters, Anything else will be a massive bonus on top of a massive bonus.

[PeterWithesShin]

West Bromwich AlbionVerified account
‏@WBA
Let's put rivalry to one side and congratulate @StanPetrov19 on his inspirational return to football #WBA

[wittonwarrior]

West Bromwich AlbionVerified account
‏@WBA
Let's put rivalry to one side and congratulate @StanPetrov19 on his inspirational return to football #WBA

Yes quite inspirational - he will be a big influence if he stays; needs to be made club captain where he will then have influence off the pitch as well as glancing moments on.

[peter w]

Has anybody heard any reports of how he did yesterday?

To be honest, who cares? He's fit, free of cancer and playing football, that's all that matters, Anything else will be a massive bonus on top of a massive bonus.

Well yes but as inspirational story as it is I also want Villa to be promoted. So the underlying story will be his battle against his illness and his attempt to return, but the main issue for me now is can he be a part of the squad or team? Other than the psychological impact if he isn't going to make it back then we need to still try and strengthen in that area unless Sanchez can make the step up.