Pre-Season Friendlies

[FatSam]

Was wondering where Amavi wax but it seems he has a slight injury.

A full Brazilian apparently.

[Gregorys Boy]

Well its all down hill from here!

Its a nice start and we can hopefully work our way up to better teams.  I would like to see Kozak get a proper chance in the first team this season. He always impressed me when he did play and I think in the Championship he could do something, though Rudy and Ayew would be ahead of him right now.

Good story with Stan though.  I reinforce that he should be captain for next season. 

[AV89]

Just hope that if the club decide not to give Stan a new deal (which has to be for professional reasons and not sentimental) that they don't get slated for it.

[Gregorys Boy]

Just hope that if the club decide not to give Stan a new deal (which has to be for professional reasons and not sentimental) that they don't get slated for it.

I don't think they need to be rushed into such a call right now.  Given what he's been through I'm sure he's just happy be fit again and back involved.  I'd say give him a one year rolling deal and see how it goes.

[Pete3206]

At 37, I'd be amazed if he got offered any sort of playing deal. Fair play to him if he gets it.

[OCD]

I think he still has more to give because his game isn't reliant on pace, he has intelligence and he's going to be enjoying himself after what he's been through. There are other players who have been able to play a little longer into their late 30's. If that wasn't possible, I imagine he would become part of the coaching staff.

[UK Redsox]

I take it that Stan still lives in the area

[Gregorys Boy]

At 37, I'd be amazed if he got offered any sort of playing deal. Fair play to him if he gets it.

There are players even outfield ones who play past that though.  I think right now he is just good to have around the dressing room and if he can make the odd sub appearance then great. 

[Toronto Villa]

If he proves his fitness he'll get a deal. His ability is not in doubt.

[tomd2103]

I take it that Stan still lives in the area

Must do, as he has been playing regularly in a local over 35's league in the last couple of years. 

[Mortimer's Bear]

Says it all really. Fucking legend.

It's possible that he took it all in his stride, but equally that could have been quite an emotional day for Stan.  It's an incredible story.

I'm not ashamed to say I got a tad emotional when I saw that photo, I've since printed it and have it on my desk at work.

However tough life gets, never give up.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'd say his current ability is in doubt, I don't see how it can be otherwise when yesterday is his most competitive game, and strongest opponents, he's played in over 4 years. It would be fantastic if he does make it back but there's a lot more hurdles than just proving he's fit. 

[Toronto Villa]

I'm more saying his ability is what is in his head. The fitness piece is critical for it all to come together. He's a smart player and one who didn't rely on immense pace or bursts of energy during games. Most importantly his presence brings calmness and confidence to those around him. And that's whether he is on the pitch or not. Of course the odds are stacked against him but then they have been since he was diagnosed 4 years ago. I wouldn't write anything off with Stan.

[andyh]

As wonderful as it is to see him playing, I can't really see him getting a playing contract.
The next best think though, is to get him (back) on the coaching staff.

[four fornicholl]

I take it that Stan still lives in the area

Must do, as he has been playing regularly in a local over 35's league in the last couple of years.

Theres a short film on the bbc website showing him playing in it if anyone can post a link,its at the bottom of the article"Petrov makes Villa playing comeback." He is way off, watching the clip(from 12 months ago),but to be on our tour,whether he makes it or not,is fucking amazing!!