Petrov returns to Villa with a first-team coaching role

ASTON VILLA manager Tim Sherwood has confirmed Stiliyan Petrov will return to the club as part of his backroom team. The former Villa and Celtic midfielder has joined the staff and will help to coach the senior squad. Petrov, now 35, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012 and retired in May 2013 despite being in remission. Sherwood has brought him back and believes the Bulgarian will be an asset to Villa. ‘I would never bring him in to be a mascot,’ said Sherwood. ‘He has a very technical and gifted mind. ‘I want him in here as quickly as possible. Stan will always have a place at this club while I’m manager.’ Petrov had already made one attempt to return to a coaching post at Villa but was forced to stop assisting the Under-21 side in August 2013 after admitting that it had come too soon after his illness.