Tim Sherwood wants former Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov to have an increased presence as a first team coach at Villa Park.
The former Bulgaria international was in the Villa dressing room and spoke to the players at half-time as Sherwood enjoyed his first win in the job against West Brom on Tuesday night.
Having bravely battled back from a lengthy struggle with acute leukaemia, Sherwood feels Petrov is exactly the type of personality he needs alongside him.
“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,” said Sherwood.
Villa and West Brom go head-to-head once more this weekend, this time with an FA Cup semi-final berth at stake.
The Villans again have home advantage and they are priced at 2.62 to repeat their midweek success with Albion on offer at 2.72 and the draw at 3.03.
Sherwood believes Petrov’s knowledge of both the club and the playing squad can be a telling attribute as Villa look to pull away from a relegation battle and continue their FA Cup journey.
“We want him in here as quickly as possible to work with the first team,” he said.
“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.”
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