Stiliyan Petrov to join Aston Villa coaching setup

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has moved to add former midfielder Stiliyan Petrov to his coaching staff at the Premier League club.

Petrov was forced to retire from professional football after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012, but with the Bulgarian currently in remission, Sherwood has opted to bring the 35-year-old back to Villa Park.

The recently-appointed boss told reporters: "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.

"Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager."

Villa moved out of the relegation zone on Tuesday evening with a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion.