Jack Stephens

[Whitey Grandad]

10 hours ago, SW11_Saint said:

Language Lee…😉 [it was an 80s sitcom reference but you are likely younger than me]. 

Indeed it was. "Sorry!" starring Ronnie Corbett. "Language, Timothy!" Was its best known and only catchphrase. 

[Weston Super Saint]

2 hours ago, SW11_Saint said:

If you read my comments, and there are plenty, other than heart/fight etc. (which I also acknowledge wasn’t apparent in every game  last season either), I have not particularly ‘bigged him up’ in terms of his abilities - he has limitations, we all know that. 

What I have consistently said is:

(1) That I think he is a useful SQUAD player to have around, given he’s experience and his clear leadership role within the group. The players appear to like and respect him, he has an air of authority, and I think he’s a decent role model for our young CBs coming through. I’d prefer a back 3 (if WS goes that way) of THB (if he stays) + Wood + one of Ronnie/Quarshie. Having Jack around / on the bench wouldn’t worry me in the slightest though. 

 

So to clarify, you think extending Stephens contract for another TWO years is a good idea because :

He's a 'useful' squad player, but he has his limitations and his abilities really aren't that great.

He has a clear leadership role within the group - the group that had the second worst PL record ever, conceding an extraordinary amount of goals and had a failry obvious lack of discipline and motivation.

He has an air of authority - but as above, presumably not enough.

He shouldn't be in the starting line up as there are better options, but he would be fine sitting on the bench.

 

Not sure your dogged determination to back him is quite the 'zinga' you think it is in your head - after all, you can't even summon up a glowing reference for him yourself!

All of the points you mention as being 'useful' would still have existed until 2026 without giving him a 2 year extension....

[Weston Super Saint]

5 minutes ago, aintforever said:

A decent back up option to have at the club, I don't see the issue.

Some people seem to forget what League we are in now.

Maybe you missed the point that no one is complaining about 'now' (although I'm sure there wouldn't have been many complaints if he'd moved on this summer), the issue is the TWO FUCKING YEAR EXTENSION, keeping him at the club for potentially 2 years when we are in the PL, no matter what league we may be in 'now'.

Not giving him the extension would still have meant he would be a reasonable back up for the league we are in 'now'.

[hypochondriac]

Just now, Weston Super Saint said:

Maybe you missed the point that no one is complaining about 'now' (although I'm sure there wouldn't have been many complaints if he'd moved on this summer), the issue is the TWO FUCKING YEAR EXTENSION, keeping him at the club for potentially 2 years when we are in the PL, no matter what league we may be in 'now'.

Not giving him the extension would still have meant he would be a reasonable back up for the league we are in 'now'.

Or give him another year I could see some logic in that maybe. 

[Neil]

I must admit this has really pissed me off. 

At a time when we seem to be (perhaps) finally starting to sort out the football side, this looks like rewarding Stephens for failure. It also smacks of a lack of ambition and can't be arsed to properly scout/sign alternative/better options.

If we're promoted next season (big if) then we've got another dud on our hands in the Prem.

Why would we not see if he can actually perform under the pressure of the final year of his contract? Rather than give him the complacency of a longer contract. There's little I've seen of Stephens to have any ability to learn/improve.

[coalman]

7 minutes ago, Weston Super Saint said:

Maybe you missed the point that no one is complaining about 'now' (although I'm sure there wouldn't have been many complaints if he'd moved on this summer), the issue is the TWO FUCKING YEAR EXTENSION, keeping him at the club for potentially 2 years when we are in the PL, no matter what league we may be in 'now'.

Not giving him the extension would still have meant he would be a reasonable back up for the league we are in 'now'.

Obviously Sport Republic are planning for a longer stay in the Championship. /jk

[Whitey Grandad]

In all the time that he's been with us he hasn't improved or learnt anything. 

As the saying goes, it may be that the only reason for his continued presence is to be an example to others. 

[Obstacle1]

Fantastic news! Mccarthy next hopefully, let's nail him down before a premier league club snaps him up

[goodymatt]

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat, I highly doubt we have added 2 further years onto his contract, paying him the same wage we were doing up to 34 years old. This is most likely going to be a deal that gives him security and lowers our wage bill. Provided that is the case, then that could be justification for it being a 2 year extension to his existing contract, rather than 1 year. If the salary is sensible (reflecting his expected position over the next few years in the squad), this will keep a perfectly acceptable squad player in and around the team, that cares more than most. I can’t get too upset about that. Jack will play a fair bit this season I’d imagine, the championship is relentless and he’s good enough for this level when not being asked to be a FB come CM floater. 

If I’m wrong and it’s a 2 year extension of the same terms for a player that we know isn’t good enough to be a starter in the PL (where we aim to be during the next 3 years), then it is a Forster x McCarthy type nonsensical extension. In that case the general frustration about this announcement would be more logical.

[AlexLaw76]

It is obvious that the online reaction is largely negative towards this news 

Skip stays on. Millions more £££ going his way.

[gio1saints]

10 hours ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Which he could’ve just as easily have done next season under his existing contract. Birmingham, Ipswich and Wrexham weren’t knocking our door down offering him a £60k p/w contract until 2028, there was nothing to compete with. Maybe an extra year as a fringe player for emergencies in the PL or Champ squad whilst he did his badges. But there is no football or business case for a 3 year contract. 

If the club were proud of it, don’t sneak it in with a striker signing. Tinge of McCarthy’s whopping contract extension under Semmens which the club were so reticent about they didn’t even announce it,  so at least they did with this one.

Fair point about the three years instead of, say, another year extension or nothing or indeed to be sold - but it does rather depend on some other factors we don’t know about yet re our other CB’s ~ but this unusual extension gives us a clue. 

Selling him right now would not be unreasonable so why is he not sold? Nobody wants him or is it something else?  My guess would be there’s a strong chance Jan, BK and maybe THB are all for sale/being sold as we speak. 

IF JS were also going that would leave us relatively CB lite - even with RE coming back and Quarshie. Besides it’s a nominal fee I’d imagine. 

The not renewing and letting it roll option is almost the same thing except after maybe losing three CBs getting in two we do not have the security of knowing our utility man Captain and CB is fully committed.  

The extension means we could still release him early- potentially for a fee - if we get promoted or even if not - but also ensures credibility for that much vaunted Academy to first team pathway.
 

In a league which WILL be more physical he has shown often enough he is not afraid. When it comes to our local derbies for example I’d have my heart in my mouth if he was playing - but also secretly know he us the player most likely to smash someone into Row Z. Which I’d find very satisfying and worth my ST 🤭😎
 

[DT]

1 hour ago, Whitey Grandad said:

Indeed it was. "Sorry!" starring Ronnie Corbett. "Language, Timothy!" Was its best known and only catchphrase. 

Great theme tune though

[Greenridge]

21 hours ago, disconnect said:

Very random news to offset what should be a good new signing for us... 

It's the political model of burying bad news on a good news story day.

[Give it to Ron]

18 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Fair point about the three years instead of, say, another year extension or nothing or indeed to be sold - but it does rather depend on some other factors we don’t know about yet re our other CB’s ~ but this unusual extension gives us a clue. 

Selling him right now would not be unreasonable so why is he not sold? Nobody wants him or is it something else?  My guess would be there’s a strong chance Jan, BK and maybe THB are all for sale/being sold as we speak. 

IF JS were also going that would leave us relatively CB lite - even with RE coming back and Quarshie. Besides it’s a nominal fee I’d imagine. 

The not renewing and letting it roll option is almost the same thing except after maybe losing three CBs getting in two we do not have the security of knowing our utility man Captain and CB is fully committed.  

The extension means we could still release him early- potentially for a fee - if we get promoted or even if not - but also ensures credibility for that much vaunted Academy to first team pathway.
 

In a league which WILL be more physical he has shown often enough he is not afraid. When it comes to our local derbies for example I’d have my heart in my mouth if he was playing - but also secretly know he us the player most likely to smash someone into Row Z. Which I’d find very satisfying and worth my ST 🤭😎
 

All valid comments but I don’t think it would be that difficult to replace Stephens with better quality and experience as we now have Spors at the helm.

Ben Mee for example off top of my head. 
Extend Stephens for one year yes but stuck with him for 3 has burst the bubble a bit for me of this new set up.

[Baird of the land]

The length of the deal surprises me.

Always expected he’d be a starting cb this season though.

[Bakovnetski]

1 hour ago, goodymatt said:

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat, I highly doubt we have added 2 further years onto his contract, paying him the same wage we were doing up to 34 years old. This is most likely going to be a deal that gives him security and lowers our wage bill. Provided that is the case, then that could be justification for it being a 2 year extension to his existing contract, rather than 1 year. If the salary is sensible (reflecting his expected position over the next few years in the squad), this will keep a perfectly acceptable squad player in and around the team, that cares more than most. I can’t get too upset about that. Jack will play a fair bit this season I’d imagine, the championship is relentless and he’s good enough for this level when not being asked to be a FB come CM floater. 

If I’m wrong and it’s a 2 year extension of the same terms for a player that we know isn’t good enough to be a starter in the PL (where we aim to be during the next 3 years), then it is a Forster x McCarthy type nonsensical extension. In that case the general frustration about this announcement would be more logical.

Let's not forget that he is not only not good enough for the PL, he is barely good enough for the Championship as demonstrated by our (albeit flattering) extended unbeaten run last time without him in the team and the problems he presented and evident mistakes when he returned after injury. This extension is madness unless it is just cover at a reduced rate and the captaincy is not fixed in stone.

[Scummer]

27 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

Extend Stephens for one year yes but stuck with him for 3 has burst the bubble a bit for me of this new set up.

It's only one more year than you are suggesting though I think. He already had a year left on his contract which this replaces, so it's two additional years.

[S-Clarke]

4 hours ago, SW11_Saint said:

If you read my comments, and there are plenty, other than heart/fight etc. (which I also acknowledge wasn’t apparent in every game  last season either), I have not particularly ‘bigged him up’ in terms of his abilities - he has limitations, we all know that. 

What I have consistently said is:

(1) That I think he is a useful SQUAD player to have around, given he’s experience and his clear leadership role within the group. The players appear to like and respect him, he has an air of authority, and I think he’s a decent role model for our young CBs coming through. I’d prefer a back 3 (if WS goes that way) of THB (if he stays) + Wood + one of Ronnie/Quarshie. Having Jack around / on the bench wouldn’t worry me in the slightest though. 

Talking of THB* I wonder if there will be the same level of mass hysteria if he stays/signs again, given he was regularly godawful last season and played 34/38 games to Jack’s 19(2)/38 (therefore you could reasonably argue he has greater claim to being “one of the reasons our defence is so shite.”)?

[*For the record I like THB too, and don’t bear a grudge - I think last season just did no one in our squad any favours]. 

(2) My main gripe however is the total and utter lack of respect from some fans towards Jack. Nasty, spiteful, personal stuff. Even if you think a player isn’t great, at least be somewhat civil/analytical about it (this is a general point btw - not aimed at you!). 

Added to this, this is someone who has been at the club since he was 16, and despite often being a mere squad player (regardless of perceived ability) has always given his all, and clearly gives a shit about the club, the fans, and the City (ref again his post-match Wembley interview), it just compounds the insult for me. Whatever your feelings on him as a player, he deserves more than that. I guess it sadly just the world we live in now though *sigh*
 

I’m sure one of the brave keyboard warriors (again, not aimed at you!), will happily want to stand up at the next Fans Forum, look Jack squarely in the eye, and tell him how “fucking shit” he is and how he should have “done one” this season…😉

 

 

 

 

 

The leadership and 'good to have around' angle is being played a lot with this one, but can we just rewind a bit and remember the squad he managed to 'lead' and 'inspire'? One of, if not the worst ever top flight team in history. That is not showing up top leadership or inspiring quality what so ever, in fact it shows that either no one really gave a shit about what he said if he was really throwing a rocket up people last year, or he didn't really do anything and was passive (which is just how he plays)

He has had some pointless personal abuse directed at him, which isn't really needed - but it's all born out of frustration really. 99.9% of the fan base know he isn't good enough for where we want to be, he certainly shouldn't be the one 'leading' us into this new era that's for sure. As others have said, it's put a huge dent in the new setup before they've even really begun.

We needed ruthlessness this season, not more rewarding failure and mediocrity. If we continue to do that, we'll be in L1 before we know it.

Edited 14 hours ago by S-Clarke

[Give it to Ron]

31 minutes ago, Scummer said:

It's only one more year than you are suggesting though I think. He already had a year left on his contract which this replaces, so it's two additional years.

One year more of a player who if promoted isn’t up to it and waste of wages. Basically we didn’t need to renew a failure from last season for 3 years which leads me to question again those making the decisions.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

59 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Fair point about the three years instead of, say, another year extension or nothing or indeed to be sold - but it does rather depend on some other factors we don’t know about yet re our other CB’s ~ but this unusual extension gives us a clue. 

Selling him right now would not be unreasonable so why is he not sold? Nobody wants him or is it something else?  My guess would be there’s a strong chance Jan, BK and maybe THB are all for sale/being sold as we speak. 

IF JS were also going that would leave us relatively CB lite - even with RE coming back and Quarshie. Besides it’s a nominal fee I’d imagine. 

The not renewing and letting it roll option is almost the same thing except after maybe losing three CBs getting in two we do not have the security of knowing our utility man Captain and CB is fully committed.  

The extension means we could still release him early- potentially for a fee - if we get promoted or even if not - but also ensures credibility for that much vaunted Academy to first team pathway.
 

In a league which WILL be more physical he has shown often enough he is not afraid. When it comes to our local derbies for example I’d have my heart in my mouth if he was playing - but also secretly know he us the player most likely to smash someone into Row Z. Which I’d find very satisfying and worth my ST 🤭😎
 

Some good points gio.

Bednarek had a bid in January and has a low release clause apparently.

THB is one of SR's trading model players.

Taylor vanished out the squad for much of the season (I like to think he said some home truths, but that's based on nothing)

ABK would have gone last season, had it not been for the failed medical. All parties are surely keen for him to go.

Edwards should stay, but could well be next season's SR player trading one,if things go well.

As you said, our line up may well be Edwards, Wood, Sanda and Quarshie. Fine, if either THB or Bedders stays. But if not, there's more of a spot for Stephens, particularly as form fluctuates for developing players.

The club see Stephens as a versatile, committed, low maintenance leader in the dressing room. A continuity player between Lancashire and Lallana/Walcott in terms of promoting SR's goals.

We don't know the details, but an extended contract for a couple of seasons may well be at a lower amount. Or maybe the club are happy, after all the personality issues with others, with what they get for their money.

I don't disagree with some of the comments regarding ability. Certainly, we seemed to wobble when Martin brought him into the last Championship team. 

There's a broader concern that Stephen's should not be the benchmark we're setting for the first team. His versatility and commitment and leadership stand above a very, very low level elsewhere at the club. As does ability. If coaching and data analytics aren't pointing that out, there's serious issues.

I've no issues with him being part of the squad next season. If we were to go up, that might have changed. But should that happen, we might get a small accounting profit, or he could still get minutes to support developing players when needed. Not the worst thing.

[DG]

Haven’t we suffered enough.

[Osvaldorama]

At the end of the day, his ‘dressing room presence’ can’t be any good either. He’s been here in 2 of our worst ever seasons. Hardly setting a high standard is he?

Absolutely sick of watching him at this point. 

If we start the season with him and Bazunu playing as first choice again I will be raging 

 

 

[AlexLaw76]

‘Skip’ will probably be the first name on the team sheet 

 

[SW11_Saint]

52 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

The leadership and 'good to have around' angle is being played a lot with this one, but can we just rewind a bit and remember the squad he managed to 'lead' and 'inspire'? One of, if not the worst ever top flight team in history. That is not showing up top leadership or inspiring quality what so ever, in fact it shows that either no one really gave a shit about what he said if he was really throwing a rocket up people last year, or he didn't really do anything and was passive (which is just how he plays)

He has had some pointless personal abuse directed at him, which isn't really needed - but it's all born out of frustration really. 99.9% of the fan base know he isn't good enough for where we want to be, he certainly shouldn't be the one 'leading' us into this new era that's for sure. As others have said, it's put a huge dent in the new setup before they've even really begun.

We needed ruthlessness this season, not more rewarding failure and mediocrity. If we continue to do that, we'll be in L1 before we know it.

The whole Stephens thing is being so overblown. He’s not the owner, he’s not the manager… he has role to play as captain, sure (in geeing up players and acting as ‘father figure’ to younger players), but it’s not rugby, he doesn’t make tactical decisions - that’s on Martin, Juric, Rusk. As they’ve all departed the ire seems to be purely be focussed on JS. He also only played 19 games - partly down to his own ill-discipline admittedly. 

Again, new contract - not his fault, that’s on Spors/SR. 

He’s a squad player, he’s (as I understand it) ‘club captain’. They’ve extended his tenure by two years - given his age I suspect on lower terms, but longer contract - as they clearly see a need for him. 

As for it putting ‘a huge dent in the new setup before they've even really begun’ - I’m sorry, but people need to get a grip and a little perspective.

We’ve signed a new young CB, we won’t be signing any others and we’ll lose Bednarek, and possibly THB. Keeping Jack in the squad makes total sense. 

 

[SW11_Saint]

17 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

At the end of the day, his ‘dressing room presence’ can’t be any good either. He’s been here in 2 of our worst ever seasons. Hardly setting a high standard is he?

Absolutely sick of watching him at this point. 

If we start the season with him and Bazunu playing as first choice again I will be raging 

 

 

He was here when we got promoted too. From the Championship. Also, he’s club captain, not manager. 

[Sunglasses Ron]

I wonder if Sports Republic are relying solely on AI for their decision making:

Is Jack Stephens a good player?

Jack Stephens is generally considered a solid and reliable footballer, particularly for Southampton, where he's played since 2011 and currently serves as captain. While not a superstar, he's known for his leadership qualities, experience, and versatility, being able to play both center-back and right-back. His recent contract extension with Southampton until 2028 highlights the club's faith in his abilities and his value to the team.

[SW11_Saint]

2 hours ago, gio1saints said:

Fair point about the three years instead of, say, another year extension or nothing or indeed to be sold - but it does rather depend on some other factors we don’t know about yet re our other CB’s ~ but this unusual extension gives us a clue. 

Selling him right now would not be unreasonable so why is he not sold? Nobody wants him or is it something else?  My guess would be there’s a strong chance Jan, BK and maybe THB are all for sale/being sold as we speak. 

IF JS were also going that would leave us relatively CB lite - even with RE coming back and Quarshie. Besides it’s a nominal fee I’d imagine. 

The not renewing and letting it roll option is almost the same thing except after maybe losing three CBs getting in two we do not have the security of knowing our utility man Captain and CB is fully committed.  

The extension means we could still release him early- potentially for a fee - if we get promoted or even if not - but also ensures credibility for that much vaunted Academy to first team pathway.
 

In a league which WILL be more physical he has shown often enough he is not afraid. When it comes to our local derbies for example I’d have my heart in my mouth if he was playing - but also secretly know he us the player most likely to smash someone into Row Z. Which I’d find very satisfying and worth my ST 🤭😎
 

Spot on. I’d 💯 play him in the P*mpey game for that reason. He gets it. 

[Greenridge]

4 minutes ago, SW11_Saint said:

Spot on. I’d 💯 play him in the P*mpey game for that reason. He gets it. 

We could do with having 10 players on the pitch for the full 90+ mins

[Whitey Grandad]

2 hours ago, DT said:

Great theme tune though

If it was that good I would have remembered it. Unless I changed channel as soon as I heard it of course. 

[AlexLaw76]

Can he/will he play as the front sweeper?

The front sweeper itch needs to be scratched!!!

[pimpin4rizeal]

2 hours ago, DT said:

Great theme tune though

Fantastic I love it .. would love to see this sampled into a snoop song ❤️🔥

[saintstowin]

His lack of learning, development and improvement stands out.

Sort of thrown in when Van Dijk got injured in early 2017 and he was about 23, albeit had some experience on loan.

It's now 8+ years later and my view is that those 8 years have not shown any improvement at all. That's the key thing. 

There are other factors such as the club's failings during this era. But there's no indication of him being able to change. 

And I honestly think he's too laid back to be the great example some say he is. No intense desire to improve (as far as I can see) and for others to follow that example.

[pimpin4rizeal]

If you ask me this doesn’t seem like a sole decision of spors,, seems like there’s still some old influences hanging around .. what would Stephens have done to impress spors ?

[aintforever]

3 hours ago, Weston Super Saint said:

Maybe you missed the point that no one is complaining about 'now' (although I'm sure there wouldn't have been many complaints if he'd moved on this summer), the issue is the TWO FUCKING YEAR EXTENSION, keeping him at the club for potentially 2 years when we are in the PL, no matter what league we may be in 'now'.

Not giving him the extension would still have meant he would be a reasonable back up for the league we are in 'now'.

Sorry, I didn't realised we were guaranteed promotion this season, my mistake.

[Weston Super Saint]

1 minute ago, aintforever said:

Sorry, I didn't realised we were guaranteed promotion this season, my mistake.

'Potentially' 2 years doesn't mean 'guaranteed'.

Jumping in with both feet again without thinking.

However, if promotion isn't our number 1 ambition this season, then I'd seriously question those running the club.

[aintforever]

3 minutes ago, Weston Super Saint said:

if promotion isn't our number 1 ambition this season, then I'd seriously question those running the club.

Why does giving Stephens a contract mean it is not?

[coalman]

16 minutes ago, pimpin4rizeal said:

If you ask me this doesn’t seem like a sole decision of spors,, seems like there’s still some old influences hanging around .. what would Stephens have done to impress spors ?

Maybe it's the old manager chestnut of he has trained really well. Assorted recent managers (though I'm looking at you Martin) used to trot out every week how great the players were in training shortly before they failed to show up again.

[Weston Super Saint]

3 minutes ago, aintforever said:

Why does giving Stephens a contract mean it is not?

I don't believe any one has claimed that giving Stephens a contract extension means we aren't aiming for promotion.  I guess you misunderstood that line, not unusual for you.  To explain it for you, by aiming for promotion this season it means will could 'potentially' be playing PL football for the full two years of his contract extension (a league in which we know he isn't suitable).  Does that clear it up for you?

Jump in with two feet ✅

Add some whataboutery ✅

Next up the laughing emoji 🤣for a full house.

[aintforever]

1 minute ago, Weston Super Saint said:

I don't believe any one has claimed that giving Stephens a contract extension means we aren't aiming for promotion.  I guess you misunderstood that line, not unusual for you.  To explain it for you, by aiming for promotion this season it means will could 'potentially' be playing PL football for the full two years of his contract extension (a league in which we know he isn't suitable).  Does that clear it up for you?

Jump in with two feet ✅

Add some whataboutery ✅

Next up the laughing emoji 🤣for a full house.

If we get promoted this season it is job done you fuckwit. Having Stephens under contract for another year or two is not exactly going to be a problem if we are back in the Prem.

 

 

[Weston Super Saint]

19 minutes ago, aintforever said:

If we get promoted this season it is job done you fuckwit. Having Stephens under contract for another year or two is not exactly going to be a problem if we are back in the Prem.

 

 

Yep, definitely not grasped the issue!

If we get promoted this season, it will be job done - well done, you've got that bit.

The issue is we will have Cap't Jack tied down to two more years of contract whilst we are in the PL - a league where we already know he is of no use, so will be paying his wages for doing fuck all.

We could have achieved the same result (with Stephens in the team THIS year), without giving another 2 years contract extension.

I didn't think this was rocket science, but looks like it's too tricky for some.

[Chez]

52 minutes ago, pimpin4rizeal said:

Fantastic I love it .. would love to see this sampled into a snoop song ❤️🔥

...and 10 hours of it too. The Guantanamo mix.

[aintforever]

34 minutes ago, Weston Super Saint said:

Yep, definitely not grasped the issue!

If we get promoted this season, it will be job done - well done, you've got that bit.

The issue is we will have Cap't Jack tied down to two more years of contract whilst we are in the PL - a league where we already know he is of no use, so will be paying his wages for doing fuck all.

We could have achieved the same result (with Stephens in the team THIS year), without giving another 2 years contract extension.

I didn't think this was rocket science, but looks like it's too tricky for some.

Except there is a fair chance we will still be in the Championship next season no matter what our aspirations, so if our manager see's him as a useful member of the squad it makes sense to give him a contract. It's really not rocket science.

[S-Clarke]

1 hour ago, SW11_Saint said:

The whole Stephens thing is being so overblown. He’s not the owner, he’s not the manager… he has role to play as captain, sure (in geeing up players and acting as ‘father figure’ to younger players), but it’s not rugby, he doesn’t make tactical decisions - that’s on Martin, Juric, Rusk. As they’ve all departed the ire seems to be purely be focussed on JS. He also only played 19 games - partly down to his own ill-discipline admittedly. 

Again, new contract - not his fault, that’s on Spors/SR. 

He’s a squad player, he’s (as I understand it) ‘club captain’. They’ve extended his tenure by two years - given his age I suspect on lower terms, but longer contract - as they clearly see a need for him. 

As for it putting ‘a huge dent in the new setup before they've even really begun’ - I’m sorry, but people need to get a grip and a little perspective.

We’ve signed a new young CB, we won’t be signing any others and we’ll lose Bednarek, and possibly THB. Keeping Jack in the squad makes total sense. 

 

No, he's the player. Who stepped on the pitch last season and screwed the team over by being totally ill-disciplined. That's where I'm judging him, as an on the pitch influence, and he is so poor.

I'd be totally perplexed if we sold Bednarek/THB, didn't replace either and ended up with Stephens as first choice all season, that would just about finish me off.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

5 minutes ago, aintforever said:

Except there is a fair chance we will still be in the Championship next season no matter what our aspirations, so if our manager see's him as a useful member of the squad it makes sense to give him a contract. It's really not rocket science.

We still could have assessed the situation at the end of the season. Absolutely no need to hand out this contract at this time. 

[Matthew Le God]

39 minutes ago, aintforever said:

Except there is a fair chance we will still be in the Championship next season no matter what our aspirations, so if our manager see's him as a useful member of the squad it makes sense to give him a contract. It's really not rocket science.

Why not wait to hand out a new contract until you know?

Edited 10 hours ago by Matthew Le God

[saintant]

3 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

‘Skip’ will probably be the first name on the team sheet 

 

No doubt about that.

[saintant]

2 hours ago, coalman said:

Maybe it's the old manager chestnut of he has trained really well. Assorted recent managers (though I'm looking at you Martin) used to trot out every week how great the players were in training shortly before they failed to show up again.

If Will Still is as thorough as I suspect then he'll surely have done an in depth look at each of our players. If so and it led him to believe Stephens is worth an extended contract and retention of the captaincy then alarm bells about our new manager are ringing loud and clear. Hoping he had little to do with this particular bad decision.

[saintant]

1 hour ago, S-Clarke said:

No, he's the player. Who stepped on the pitch last season and screwed the team over by being totally ill-disciplined. That's where I'm judging him, as an on the pitch influence, and he is so poor.

I'd be totally perplexed if we sold Bednarek/THB, didn't replace either and ended up with Stephens as first choice all season, that would just about finish me off.

I strongly suspect Stephens will be first choice for our opening match. How long he stays in the side is anyone's guess but most on here are in accord that extending his contract was both mistaken and not necessary. Should have been allowed to see out his contract and then released.

[coalman]

1 minute ago, saintant said:

If Will Still is as thorough as I suspect then he'll surely have done an in depth look at each of our players. If so and it led him to believe Stephens is worth an extended contract and retention of the captaincy then alarm bells about our new manager are ringing loud and clear. Hoping he had little to do with this particular bad decision.

Part of the trouble of going into a low performing organisation is that no one thinks they are low performing which leads to an inflated opinion of the people in leadership roles. I have taken over teams where the initial feedback from people in the team about a particular person is that they are great. It takes time to work through that but you kind of have to operate on trust until you can verify it. In some respects you can't rock the boat until you have data.

That being said - I always assumed that low performance comes from the top and I have yet to be disappointed in that viewpoint. The old saying that "As hire As and Bs hire Cs" probably applies here. It's one of the reason why turning around a broken organisation is so hard because the people doing the hiring ARE the problem. By the same token you also run into the Dead Sea Effect where your lose your best talent and keep your mediocrity and thus mediocrity becomes institutionalised.

[saintant]

4 minutes ago, coalman said:

Part of the trouble of going into a low performing organisation is that no one thinks they are low performing which leads to an inflated opinion of the people in leadership roles. I have taken over teams where the initial feedback from people in the team about a particular person is that they are great. It takes time to work through that but you kind of have to operate on trust until you can verify it. In some respects you can't rock the boat until you have data.

That being said - I always assumed that low performance comes from the top and I have yet to be disappointed in that viewpoint. The old saying that "As hire As and Bs hire Cs" probably applies here. It's one of the reason why turning around a broken organisation is so hard because the people doing the hiring ARE the problem. By the same token you also run into the Dead Sea Effect where your lose your best talent and keep your mediocrity and thus mediocrity becomes institutionalised.

With due respect football is a little different. Will Still will have access to hours of tapes to show him exactly what each player at his disposal is either capable or not capable of. He doesn't have to rely on asking the opinions of those at the club as he can use his own eyes to come to his decisions. Anyone looking at footage of Stephens wouldn't take long to discover his limitations and his two sending-offs last season should immediately flag that he is not captain or leadership material.