Villa legend wants Stiliyan Petrov axe

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Aug 2, 2011

Villa legend Dennis Mortimer believes the club should axe captain Stiliyan Petrov before the big Premier League kick-off.

Experienced Bulgarian midfielder Petrov has held the armband since August 2009 having taken over the role from Martin Laursen and Gareth Barry.

But former European Cup winning captain Mortimer thinks it might be time for a change of skipper and install a candidate who can offer more drive from the centre of midfield.

Mortimer said: "To be honest, I've never been a fan of Stiliyan Petrov – I think he is just a 'Steady Eddie' as it were.

"I, personally, wouldn't have him in the team. I don't think he has the right capacity or the right style that I would want him in my team.

"At the top level, you need someone who is a bit more than a 'Steady Eddie' and especially as your captain.

"To me you need to generate momentum in games by the quickness of play and of mind and, for me, Petrov takes half an hour to pass the ball.

"OK, so that is an exaggeration, but you get my point."

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