Stiliyan Petrov - update

[peter w]

It would have been nice but ultimately the aim is that we go up. If Stan can't assist on the playing side than so be it. Similarly, if he isn't qualified to do a job behind the scenes then I'd give him a thank-you and  free season ticket and move on.

[Pete3206]

To even try is a monumental achievement for him and an inspiration to others. Whatever happens next, he'll be OK

[oswald funkletrumpet]

It would have been nice but ultimately the aim is that we go up. If Stan can't assist on the playing side than so be it. Similarly, if he isn't qualified to do a job behind the scenes then I'd give him a thank-you and  free season ticket and move on.

bang on

[Clampy]

My first thought was 'that's a shame for Stan'. I didn't  give a thought to whether it impacted on us getting promoted or not but to some people, I suppose it does.

[eddiemunster]

Sad to see Stan has announced his retirement from playing, cannot believe no team has come in for him.
I hope he makes it as a manager.
All the best Stan.

[Toronto Villa]

I'd love him back with us in some capacity. He really is the perfect ambassador for the club and embodies everything we are trying to achieve. He's a complete inspiration and is the very definition of leadership.

[Mister E]

I'd love him back with us in some capacity. He really is the perfect ambassador for the club and embodies everything we are trying to achieve. He's a complete inspiration and is the very definition of leadership.

As long as he doesn't bring Tonev with him ....

[Percy McCarthy]

I'd love him back with us in some capacity. He really is the perfect ambassador for the club and embodies everything we are trying to achieve. He's a complete inspiration and is the very definition of leadership.

As long as he doesn't bring Tonev with him ....

Good point - not as a scout.

[Mostinho II]

Stan's officially retired according to some reports.

[Percy McCarthy]

Stan's officially retired according to some reports.

Yeah, some reports higher up this page.

[Gregorys Boy]

Its a shame yes.  I wonder if he had his hart set on playing for us again and when that didn't pan out if he decided his playing days were over.  Or maybe he just thought health wise it wasn't worth it and was a good time to retire.  I do see him making a good coach.  Think if he started managing in league two or something then he could make his way up to decent level in the long run.  Good luck to him.  Stan will always have a special place in Villa fans harts.

[ozzjim]

I reckon they looked at it but could not get him insured, and realised nowhere will be able to take the risk.

[JD]

Or just maybe at 34 and post illness he just wasn't up to it. I admire the club for giving him the chance and I admire Stan for giving it a go. My one hope is that the decision that was made was mutual and agreed from both sides.

[Dr Butler]

it is a shame and I am a bit saddened he did not play apart at the Cambridge friendly as I could of thanked him for all he had done at B6.

UTV Stan
The Doc

[Tuscans]

Stan on Talksport all morning, unfortunately he's on Jim White's show.