Thursday 5 March 2015 20:34, UK
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is enthusiastic over the prospect of Stiliyan Petrov coaching at the club permanently.
Former Villa and Bulgaria midfielder Petrov - who fought and won a lengthy battle with acute leukaemia - retired in May 2013 but is back at Villa Park in a coaching capacity and spoke to the players at half-time during Tuesday's 2-1 win over local rivals West Brom.
Sherwood said: "I think Stiliyan could add an awful lot to the football club. I would never bring him in just to be a mascot - I think he can contribute.
"He can contribute to the boys' mindsets with what he's done in the last few months in life. It's been a tough time for him and going out and trying to win a football match is secondary to what Stiliyan has come through.
"He's also a technical and gifted player and member of staff. We want him in here as quickly as possible to work with the first team.
"He knows the boys and he knows the group. He's well respected. I think it's important - I always felt it was important you get enough players that know the fabric of the football club around.
He knows the boys and he knows the group. He's well respected. I think it's important - I always felt it was important you get enough players that know the fabric of the football club around.
"He's well now and he's raring to go so I'll continue to talk to him about where he can add things and where I can use him."
