Ross Stewart

[chiknsmack]

9 hours ago, a1ex2001 said:

He’s clearly broken, I will never understand why we signed him a terrible decision for a club with limited funds.

It's the same reason we signed Ings; if he's healthy he scores for fun. Unlike Ings he hasn't had a prolonged run of fitness and games (yet).

Having scored 10 in 13 in the Championship for Sunderland, if he'd come back in November of our last Championship season (as he did) and stayed fit thereafter (as he didn't) it's not unreasonable to think he'd have scored 20 in 31 for us in the Championship. On the back of that he could well have scored hatfuls in the Premier League; the floor for recent 20-goal Championship strikers is Akpom/Morris/Armstrong/BBD while the ceiling is Toney/Gyokeres/Solanke. As it was he played the equivalent of 4.3 games in the PL and scored once; that's the equivalent of eight or nine in a full season, or more if you think he'd have done better with more fitness and confidence from a good Championship campaign behind him.

Yes, "the best ability is availability". But as a club with limited funds, we can't afford many 10+ goal PL strikers - or even potential double-figure PL strikers - unless there's something wrong with them (eg. they might score 10+ in the PL if they stay fit (Ings, Stewart), or once they develop with experience (Downs, Mara)). Especially when we're in the Championship, as we were when we signed Stewart.

We can't afford stars, we don't want has-beens, we don't want tried and proven not-good-enoughs, so we're left buying maybes. The thing with maybes is maybe they pan out or maybe they don't. Welcome to Southampton FC.

[CampionSaint]

I think it's easy to judge in hindsight.  It was clearly a bit of a gamble and who knows what will happen in the next season or 2, but at £8m plus add ons (which I assume haven't been activiated) it wasn't an unreasonable amount for someone who had similarities to Rickie's reputation in lower leagues.  As pointed out above all you need is a season or 2 like Ings and they've repaid their fee.  I for one think that when he's fit he is our best striker and against Arsenal and even a little this season has shown his ability.  If it's just a mild illness then hopefully we'll see much more of him.  I for one am a bit more optimistic on him.     

Edited August 20 by CampionSaint

[AlexLaw76]

1 minute ago, CampionSaint said:

I think it's easy to judge in hindsight.  It was clearly a bit of a gamble and who knows what will happen in the next season or 2, but at £8m plus add ons (which I assume haven't been activiated) it wasn't an unreasonable amount.  As pointed out above all you need is a season or 2 like Ings and they've repaid their fee.  I for one think that when he's fit he is our best striker and against Arsenal and even a little this season has shown his ability.  If it's just a mild illness then hopefully we'll see much more of him.  I for one am a bit more optimistic on him.     

unreasonable amount? It was pretty pretty sizeable in the Championship

[CampionSaint]

4 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

unreasonable amount? It was pretty pretty sizeable in the Championship

Archer was £15m and only scored 4 goals at most in the Prem and 11 is the most he's scored in the Champ.  I think the likes of Sargent and good Championship strikers are nearer £20m. 

[Weston Super Saint]

1 minute ago, CampionSaint said:

Archer was £15m and only scored 4 goals at most in the Prem and 11 is the most he's scored in the Champ.  I think the likes of Sargent and good Championship strikers are nearer £20m. 

So at £8m there should have been enough warning signs...

[saintant]

So what is it this week....injury, sickness or broken toenail?

[S-Clarke]

Just now, saintant said:

So what is it this week....injury, sickness or broken toenail?

I guess if we don't see him in any videos or photos this week, then it's not an illness - he's obviously had some other set back of sorts.

But let's see first, he may well be fine and back involved.

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, S-Clarke said:

I guess if we don't see him in any videos or photos this week, then it's not an illness - he's obviously had some other set back of sorts.

But let's see first, he may well be fine and back involved.

Covid I reckon…won’t make a joke about back in 2 weeks…

[disconnect]

1 hour ago, CampionSaint said:

I think it's easy to judge in hindsight.  It was clearly a bit of a gamble and who knows what will happen in the next season or 2, but at £8m plus add ons (which I assume haven't been activiated) it wasn't an unreasonable amount for someone who had similarities to Rickie's reputation in lower leagues.  As pointed out above all you need is a season or 2 like Ings and they've repaid their fee.  I for one think that when he's fit he is our best striker and against Arsenal and even a little this season has shown his ability.  If it's just a mild illness then hopefully we'll see much more of him.  I for one am a bit more optimistic on him.     

A very little this season - playing 10 minutes against a backs against the walls newly promoted team!

1 hour ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Covid I reckon…won’t make a joke about back in 2 weeks…

Annoyingly whatever he had he may have also infected Downs with! 

[ErwinK1961]

Pretty sure Alfie alluded to it being the two Bob bits on the podcast.

[Patches O Houlihan]

On 20/08/2025 at 14:52, ErwinK1961 said:

Pretty sure Alfie alluded to it being the two Bob bits on the podcast.

Ross and Damien invited for chicken dinner at Flynn's house was it?!

[Gloucester Saint]

On 20/08/2025 at 14:52, ErwinK1961 said:

Pretty sure Alfie alluded to it being the two Bob bits on the podcast.

Caught in the plumsack during the warm up at Northampton and they’ve gone like aubergines?

[skintsaint]

What do we think the look he is going for in the long term?

[S-Clarke]

Yeah he needs to sort his beard out, it's a bit naff.

In terms of him generally, I'm pleased that he's getting through games and putting in decent mins. He had a decent contribution yesterday and got an assist for his work.

Maybe, just maybe, we can keep him fit. Chances are slim you'd have to say, but it's more positive than it's ever looked.

[Toadhall Saint]

17 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

What do we think the look he is going for in the long term?

Lamb chops

[OldNick]

1 hour ago, S-Clarke said:

Yeah he needs to sort his beard out, it's a bit naff.

In terms of him generally, I'm pleased that he's getting through games and putting in decent mins. He had a decent contribution yesterday and got an assist for his work.

Maybe, just maybe, we can keep him fit. Chances are slim you'd have to say, but it's more positive than it's ever looked.

I thought Adam and Jo Tessum were harsh saying he should have scored that sliding chance, IMO it was a poor pass too far away for him by Shea. Ithought him with Archer was as good a combo weve seen this season

[Toussaint]

6 minutes ago, OldNick said:

I thought Adam and Jo Tessum were harsh saying he should have scored that sliding chance, IMO it was a poor pass too far away for him by Shea. Ithought him with Archer was as good a combo weve seen this season

I think if he gets a run, both of fitness and being played, he will be very good for us. 

[sadoldgit]

40 minutes ago, OldNick said:

I thought Adam and Jo Tessum were harsh saying he should have scored that sliding chance, IMO it was a poor pass too far away for him by Shea. Ithought him with Archer was as good a combo weve seen this season

Not sure about that. He also missed a header close in earlier on. His timing looks a bit off to me. Probably a bit rusty but I did expect both chances to end up in the back of the net. They were both chances that instinctive scorers snap up.

[Dan Johnson]

47 minutes ago, OldNick said:

I thought Adam and Jo Tessum were harsh saying he should have scored that sliding chance, IMO it was a poor pass too far away for him by Shea. Ithought him with Archer was as good a combo weve seen this season

Yeah I agree, thought the ball could have been better from Charles. Also agree about the partnership with Archer, they were busy all night and caused problems.

I'm looking forward to seeing him more to be honest. 

[OldNick]

7 minutes ago, sadoldgit said:

Not sure about that. He also missed a header close in earlier on. His timing looks a bit off to me. Probably a bit rusty but I did expect both chances to end up in the back of the net. They were both chances that instinctive scorers snap up.

The chance I mentioned should have been a tap in not having to slide in at full stretch, a brave attempt, 

[Chez]

1 minute ago, OldNick said:

The chance I mentioned should have been a tap in not having to slide in at full stretch, a brave attempt, 

He had no chance. It was overhit by Charles.

[Suhari]

Two goals tonight. A calm finish and an absolute beauty from well outside the area.

He's getting stronger, fitter and clearly more confident.

Pleased for him. Maybe we've got ourselves a proper number 9 again.

[benjii]

Two goals, won a pelanty with a good run and touch, and got on the end of a couple of crosses.

Good for him, and let's hope he can keep it going.

[stknowle]

If he stays fit he’s our man. Big if.

[Suhari]

11 minutes ago, stknowle said:

If he stays fit he’s our man. Big if.

True.

But that's (most of) two games in 4 days. And he came on at Liverpool)I think.....).

So positive signs.

[Saint_lambden]

Putting aside the goals, the bit I was most pleased with is that he was putting himself about and being much more of a physcial presence than he has done previously. He should be the striker that suits Still's system more than any other we have, it's just how we manage his minutes from here on. 

[HarvSFC]

Don't think any of our other forwards are capable of his goals tonight. Downs, Armstrong and Archer aren't able to generate the power and accuracy from distance for Stewart's second goal, while Armstrong and Archer hit his first goal at the defender or goalkeeper in a packed box and Downs wouldn't be able to anticipate the chance.

I've had my doubts over Stewart, but he's now put his name firmly forward to be the starting striker for the club tonight. Just needs to stay injury free and keep transforming into Lambert.

Edited 16 hours ago by HarvSFC

[ItchenRob]

So pleased for him (and us!). Seems a genuine guy and clearly has something about him. He'll get crocked again now, obviously 😂😇

[stknowle]

32 minutes ago, benjii said:

Two goals, won a pelanty with a good run and touch, and got on the end of a couple of crosses.

Good for him, and let's hope he can keep it going.

‘Pelanty’ Benji on the sauce and not saved by spellcheck (winky smiler emoji)

Edited 15 hours ago by stknowle

[Sheaf Saint]

What a goal that is. Deserved to be the winner. 

[benjii]

14 minutes ago, stknowle said:

‘Pelanty’ Benji on the sauce and not saved by spellcheck (winky smiler emoji)

I follow the Waddle pronunciation. 

[Edmonton Saint]

Call me an old Romantic, but I really want to see Stewart do well after his injury heartache. Second goal tonight was absolute class. Keep up Nessie! 

[saintant]

55 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Putting aside the goals, the bit I was most pleased with is that he was putting himself about and being much more of a physcial presence than he has done previously. He should be the striker that suits Still's system more than any other we have, it's just how we manage his minutes from here on. 

Think that is down to improving his match fitness and, hopefully, he'll get stronger yet with more minutes on the pitch. He really deserves an injury free run - if he gets it he'll score goals and be a handful for any defence. He's what we've needed as long as he stays fit because he is a very good striker. He won us the 3 points tonight because that second goal was a worldy struck with great precision and power - it'll encourage him to hit more shots from distance. The first was a smart finish and taken with calmness. Good signs.

[Ralph Fastenbüttl]

It would be an incredible (and very un-Saintsy) story if Ross were actually able to battle through two super frustrating years and emerge a goal scoring hero. His performance tonight was superb, and as @HarvSFC says, what he showed tonight was something very different to anything else we have in the team. A bit Lambert-like, perhaps. Obviously we all remain terrified about his fitness but certainly he looked physically comfortable and confident in a way we've never seen in a saints shirt tonight. We can but hope that's a positive sign. Best of luck to the lad - I'm rooting for him.

[notnowcato]

Best goal since Rothwell’s volley. 
 

 

[AlexLaw76]

Played well. He offers a bit of trouble for their CBs, fairly mobile (not the quickest) and clearly a decent finisher

different universe from Downs, and a different type compared to Archer 

[disconnect]

Did I see him do a knee slide celebration?! 😬

This used to terrify me when Ings did them too!

[spyinthesky]

9 hours ago, Ralph Fastenbüttl said:

It would be an incredible (and very un-Saintsy) story if Ross were actually able to battle through two super frustrating years and emerge a goal scoring hero. His performance tonight was superb, and as @HarvSFC says, what he showed tonight was something very different to anything else we have in the team. A bit Lambert-like, perhaps. Obviously we all remain terrified about his fitness but certainly he looked physically comfortable and confident in a way we've never seen in a saints shirt tonight. We can but hope that's a positive sign. Best of luck to the lad - I'm rooting for him.

Me too.
I know a few Sunderland fans and they, without exception, raved about him both from a goalscoring perspective but also his ability to defend, especially from opponents corners.

[Toadhall Saint]

Thought he took both of his goals well - long may it continue.

[Miltonaggro]

First goal yesterday an intuitive strikers goal, the second one a ‘back in business’ cracker! Pray he stays fit. 

[Saint NL]

After watching the highlights back, he really should have had a hat trick.

The header saved on the line or the keeper fumble that he got a toe to. If you're being picky, you could say at least one of those should have been in.

Much better from Stewart, let's hope this is the start of something good.

[SW5 SAINT]

I wonder if his contract will now be extended…..?or would that be tempting fate…..!

Edited 2 hours ago by SW5 SAINT

[S-Clarke]

Just now, SW5 SAINT said:

I wonder if his contract will now be extended…..?

If we did that after 2 goals then we're even more daft than I thought we were.

He needs at least half a season, 6 months+ of consistent football and output before we should even consider a new deal. 

I think it's great for him personally that he's got back to back games with so many mins under his belt, and some output, but it needs to be shown over a prolonged period before anyone gets too excited.

[Patches O Houlihan]

6 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

If we did that after 2 goals then we're even more daft than I thought we were.

He needs at least half a season, 6 months+ of consistent football and output before we should even consider a new deal. 

I think it's great for him personally that he's got back to back games with so many mins under his belt, and some output, but it needs to be shown over a prolonged period before anyone gets too excited.

I think waiting six months would be too long. Six more fully available games where he gets stuck in with a goal or two and we should sign him up for an extension - otherwise we get into that realm where he gets his head turned by richer clubs, or his agent suggests playing out his contract. 

I've always liked his attitude, super pleased  he had a great game last night, and I'm hopeful that he would show a bit of loyalty to a club that supported him through tough times.

Edited 2 hours ago by Patches O Houlihan
His contract is up June 2026

[hypochondriac]

1 minute ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

I think waiting six months would be too long. Six more fully available games where he gets stuck in with a goal or two and we should sign him up for an extension - otherwise we get into that realm where he gets his head turned by richer clubs, or his agent suggests playing out his contract. 

I've always liked his attitude, super pleased  he had a great game last night, and I'm hopeful that he would show a bit of loyalty to a club that supported him through tough times.

I can't see any bigger clubs touching him with a ten foot pole after six more games with some form. He's been injured for essentially three years.

[Patches O Houlihan]

Just now, hypochondriac said:

I can't see any bigger clubs touching him with a ten foot pole after six more games with some form. He's been injured for essentially three years.

Exactly!

But in April 2026 after scoring 15 goals and with his contract up in June 2026 that's too late.

[hypochondriac]

1 minute ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

Exactly!

But in April 2026 after scoring 15 goals and with his contract up in June 2026 that's too late.

Maybe offer him a new deal after meeting certain conditions like playing a certain amount of games or consistent level of fitness. 

[saintant]

4 hours ago, disconnect said:

Did I see him do a knee slide celebration?! 😬

This used to terrify me when Ings did them too!

Agree, the club should ban players from knee sliding to celebrate goals especially someone like Stewart.

[Patches O Houlihan]

Just now, hypochondriac said:

Maybe offer him a new deal after meeting certain conditions like playing a certain amount of games or consistent level of fitness. 

We will never know the terms of the deal. But the time to do the deal is before it gets obvious he is 'back'. Right now (next six weeks) we have the inside track on his fitness so are in the best position to make a 'bet' on it.

[saintant]

46 minutes ago, Saint NL said:

After watching the highlights back, he really should have had a hat trick.

The header saved on the line or the keeper fumble that he got a toe to. If you're being picky, you could say at least one of those should have been in.

Much better from Stewart, let's hope this is the start of something good.

To be fair to him I don't think that was a chance - at no stage did he have an opportunity to put the ball over the line because the keeper made a smart recovery.