Former Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is to return to the club as a first team coach after successfully overcoming Leukaemia, the BBC reports.
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The ex-captain was forced to retire from the game in 2013 to battle the illness, but he has since been given the all clear and manager Tim Sherwood confirmed he will be coming on board to help with their relegation battle.
“I would never bring him in to be a mascot. He’s got a very technical and gifted mind, I want him in here as quick as possible,” said Sherwood.
“Stan will always have a place at this football club while I’m manager.”
Petrov, who made 218 appearances in claret and blue since joining in 2006, recently made a comeback to playing with Sunday League side Wychall Wanderers over-35s.
The 35-year-old briefly helped youth team coach Gordon Cowans with the development squad, but now looks to be taking his first steps into senior coaching.
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