Stan and 19th minute applause?

[Clampy]

Someone a few posts back suggested singing his name on the 19th minute which I think is the best idea all round really.

[Pete3206]

Take it off the screens. If people still want to politely applaud, fine. If you don't want to join in, fine also.

It is off the screens.

Jobs a good 'un then.

[cheltenhamlion]

I didn't join in Saturday and got some funny looks. Time for Stan to end it for me.

[adrenachrome]

If Saturday's response in any indication, the gesture will not be stopping any time soon.

[TheSandman]

Maybe we should make this weekend his last one for now seeing as Arsenal away was the last game he played before he retired.

I like that idea. Then for future games move to something like others have suggested such as singing his name or another chant.

[mjlions]

Aston Villa FC ‏@AVFCOfficial  2m 
Stan Petrov also calls for an end to the 19th minute applause, thanking the fans in the process for their unbelievable support.  #AVFC

Mat Kendrick ‏@MatKendrick  8m 
Stiliyan Petrov has politely suggested #avfc fans should stop the emotional 19th minute tribute to him, saying: "We all have to move on."

Two quotes from Twitter no link as yet though

[mrastonvilla]

Would be a nice idea to hold a launch day for Stans charity early in the season at VP and then the usual acorns day in the second half of the season and fund raise for both.

[VillaAlways]

From the OS.

Stiliyan Petrov will return to action for the first time since he was diagnosed as suffering from acute leukaemia 17 months ago when he turns out for a "Stiliyan XI" against a Celtic XI on September 8 at Celtic Park.

The 34-year-old former Villa captain, now assistant to Villa Under-21 coach Gordon Cowans, is working hard for his big comeback and also for the upcoming launch of his charitable foundation, which will raise funds for leukaemia research and other related causes.

Villa manager Paul Lambert, his former teammate and midfield partner at Parkhead, will also be taking part in the game and Petrov, whose leukaemia is in remission, is looking forward to being reunited on the pitch with Lambert and other ex-teammates and celebrities.

"I'm really happy that the manager has agreed to play a part in my game on September 8 - the way he looks he might be ready to play the whole 90 minutes!" Petrov said.

"If the training goes well for me, who knows? I'm definitely working hard and getting fitter to play a part in the game and I can't wait for it. I'm really excited and I'm really excited about launching my foundation, which I'll be able to say more about very soon."

Petrov has fought an inspiring and courageous battle ever since his diagnosis, demonstrating the perseverance, sacrifice and aspiration which were hallmarks of his career.

The uplifting news that he is coming through scarred but unbowed, having recently finished the tortuous bouts of intensive chemotherapy treatment, has been met with jubilation by supporters of Villa, Celtic and Bulgaria, in particular, but also by fans of football throughout the world.

The 19th minute applause during games became emblematic of the depth of support and affection for Petrov and, now that he is through the worst, he feels the time is right to bring this ritual to a natural end going into the new season.

"Fans have asked me about it and I want to make clear that it was a great thing from the Villa fans, an unbelievable gesture which meant so much to me and my family through some of the toughest periods we had to endure," Petrov added.

"The fans have shown me so much love, support and respect and I will hold this forever in my heart.

"But we all have to move on and I have no problem with this. In fact, I know they will always be beside me, they're with me and I'm in their thoughts. That's a precious and very humbling thing.

"When I went through the toughest times they stood beside me and I'll never forget this.

"I know the fans will support the team this season in the same way they supported me because they showed how united they are and, as a club, we are looking forward together to the kind of exciting season it promises to be."

[cheltenhamlion]

About right that.

[olaftab]

Very good statement overall and I hope all fans will take note of his wish to stop.

[PeterWithesShin]

As I said earlier in the thread, I thought Saturday could well have been the last one. Chelts can confirm I said something was going to be said very soon when we were in the Barton's.

And a well worded statement.

[cheltenhamlion]

He said nothing. He is making it up as he goes along.

PS He might have done...

[berneboy]

Question is, what does Stan want? My view is that he wants to move on and put his illness behind him. He's coming to terms with having to retire and he's got a new job and challenge to get to grips with. He has no doubts about the fans affection for him, he just wants to look forward.

Pretty much what Stan said in his statement today!

Stiliyan Petrov has politely suggested the claret and blue faithful should end their emotional 19th minute tribute to him, saying: “We all have to move on.”

Villa supporters and other football fans have come together in support of the inspirational former captain throughout his brave battle against acute leukaemia.

During each home and away game since he was diagnosed with the disease, the 19th minute has been a cue for loud applause and the chanting of his name.

Aston Villa fans pay tribute to Stiliyan PetrovAston Villa fans paying tribute to Stiliyan Petrov 

And Petrov has now admitted that “we all have to move on” after admitting how moved and humbled he and his family have been by the warm gesture of goodwill.

“Fans have asked me about it and I want to make clear that it was a great thing from the Villa fans, an unbelievable gesture which meant so much to me and my family through some of the toughest periods we had to endure,” Petrov added.

“The fans have shown me so much love, support and respect and I will hold this forever in my heart.

“But we all have to move on and I have no problem with this. In fact, I know they will always be beside me, they’re with me and I’m in their thoughts. That’s a precious and very humbling thing.

“When I went through the toughest times they stood beside me and I’ll never forget this.

[silhillvilla]

Glad this has been clarified as it could have got messy.

[john2710]

I'll guarantee that some will still try to keep it going.