Ghost Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 I know the Mirror has a record of publishing rubbish sometimes but I thought this was a nice article. Sheer class: Aston Villa and their fans deserve full credit for the way they're looking after Stiliyan Petrov Sometimes football clubs and football fans do not get the credit they always deserve. Already this season we have seen vile chanting, managers defending play-acting and racism rows which do nothing for the reputation of the game. So it heartening to see just how dignified, respectful and supportive both Aston Villa Football Club and their fans have been to help midfielder Stiliyan Petrov in his recovery from leukemia. At 33, Petrov is unlikely to play for the club again as he battles back from his terrible illness, but that has not stopped the enormous amount of good feeling coming from anyone with any connection to the club. First to the supporters: they organised a well attended charity match at Halesowen Town last Sunday in a bid to raise money for charities supporting leukemia. Over £10,000 was claimed. Fans sing Petrov’s name at every game – 19 minutes in to reflect the former Celtic man’s squad number – and he has acknowledged that such backing has reduced him to tears on a number of occasions. Then there’s the club. They presented him with a birthday cake when he called into training in the summer and even the masseurs did their bit, cycling 400-miles for a Pedal for Petrov cycle ride. It was even more warming to hear Paul Lambert talk last Friday at his pre-match Manchester City press conference. Ultimately the club were heavily beaten in a match of such importance that saw them drop into the relegation zone as a result. But Lambert wanted to speak at length about his absent midfielder, it was the most important topic of all. Everything else was insignificant. Lambert of course knows Petrov from the pair’s days together at Celtic and will do everything in his power to ensure he is well looked after. The Scot hinted that the powers that be Randy Lerner and Paul Faulkner will ensure a role is there for the Bulgarian when he recovers in full following the illness that has tragically struck him. You would not think any less of Aston Villa. Thankfully Petrov is in remission. He has had a fighting spirit throughout his time in football but you like to think that the tremendous support he has received from all parties associated with the Villains has helped aid his recovery. Football is not important when it comes to health and it is to their eternal credit that Aston Villa have not forgotten about Petrov. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El-Reacho Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 Nice article that. They didn't mention that Stan's the club's official captain despite the fact he's currently unable to play for us, and is unlikely to this season at least. That was a classy touch from the club/Lambert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyBM Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 with it being 2 weeks since the last post, i was wondering what the latest news is? is he ever likely to play again? also, didnt his contract expire in the summer? so how does the contractual situation work at the moment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swerbs Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 Doesn't look he will play again for sure and his contract expires summer 2013 I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 I still hope we'll get to see him for the last couple of minutes of the last home game this season. Can't see it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 Can't see him playing competivly again.. Maybe a testimonial... Think it's already been mentioned by club has a job for life.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyBM Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 what job could he do, does he have his coaching badges? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo985 Posted December 10, 2012 VT Supporter Share Posted December 10, 2012 If he doesn't he can get them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VillaCas Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Can't see him playing competivly again.. Maybe a testimonial... Think it's already been mentioned by club has a job for life.... I'd love to see him play again but I'll be happy just to see him recovered and play a testimonial Did the club really say that he has got a job for life? Maybe some sort of ambassador rather than a coaching role? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bickster Posted December 10, 2012 Moderator Share Posted December 10, 2012 Petrov would be wasted as an ambassador, we've had years of people telling us (from the kids to first team colleagues) what an inspiration he is, coaching would appear to be his destiny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shillzz Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Yup I agree, would love to see him in some kind of coaching role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VillaCas Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Petrov would be wasted as an ambassador, we've had years of people telling us (from the kids to first team colleagues) what an inspiration he is, coaching would appear to be his destiny I'd love to see him as a coach too - I just think that that is unlikely appointment to make "as a job for life" Whatever I just hope he makes a full recovery and we can worry about what role he fills then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo985 Posted December 10, 2012 VT Supporter Share Posted December 10, 2012 The "job for life" wouldn't refer to one single role that he'll hold until he's 92 or whatever. It means they'll give him some sort of a coaching role. Then if/when he decides he doesn't want to coach anymore then they'll create an ambassador role, or some other role that will provide him with some sort of income. It doesn't mean they're offering him literally one job for life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P3te Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 yeah it means that as long as stan wants to be employed by villa, the club will find a job for him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Hmmm can't actually find any quotes on the job for life thing, perhaps it was a figment of my imagination... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrentVilla Posted December 10, 2012 Moderator Share Posted December 10, 2012 Has the club actually said this 'job for life' thing? I personally don't recall seeing it. Given the nature of club ownership these days I'm not exactly sure how anyone can offer such a thing so I'd be a little surprised if they have done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blandy Posted December 10, 2012 Moderator Share Posted December 10, 2012 I watched the (very moving) Fabrice Muamba programme on ITV the other day. He seems to be another absolutely top guy, and I'm sure and hopeful Stan can also follow in his steps. These good guys can offer so much and get so much back from their futures after playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maqroll Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 He could be our head scout in Bulgaria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YLN Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 Should we let him lift the league cup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSV Posted December 12, 2012 Share Posted December 12, 2012 hells yeah. Do it for Stan!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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