Aston Villa legend Ken McNaught is back home recovering from major heart surgery.
McNaught, a League and European Cup winner with Villa in 1981 and 1982, is on the mend at his home in Solihull.
The 61-year-old Scotsman had an aortic root replacement at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham last month.
His wife Maureen thanked the heart team at the hospital for their excellent care and said the family has been inundated with well wishes from Villa fans, McNaught's former team-mates and his old club Everton.
"He went in for surgery on February 25 and had to stay in for a week," she said.
"It was a big operation. The main artery comes out and they have to replace it with a man made one.
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"It's taken a lot out of him, but he is on the mend. We just want to thank all of the staff at the QE who were brilliant.
"Also we've had lots of cards from fans and his former Villa team-mates have all been in touch to see how he is, which is really nice. We're grateful to all of them."
McNaught, who helps out former players through the Lions and Legends group, and who does hospitality and media work at Villa, is hoping to return to Villa Park soon.
"He's still very tired and the medication he is on makes him very sleepy," added Maureen."
"We went for a short walk and he was worn out. It will be a slow recovery, but he's doing well.
"He's hoping to be back at Villa for the match against Chelsea at the start of April, but we'll have to see how he is."
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