The good news keeps rolling on in. Well, maybe trickling not rolling, but it's nice anyway. Now perhaps Jan could lend Danny his pen?
Jan Bednarek after signing his new contract: At the beginning of my career at Southampton I wasn’t playing, but they were always sure that I would be part of the team very soon, so I think from the beginning the club showed much faith in me, and I really appreciate it. Coming from the Polish league to England is a massive difference. I had to get used to that, find my way and how to become a Premier League player. I just had to work hard – that was the main thing – and then find the right coach who would see the potential in my way of playing. Then Ralph came and he gave me that chance. I think that was the game-changer for me, and since then I started to grow up as a player. I have no idea how it happened that he came and after a few days he was there he gave me the chance to play against Cardiff. There was something in his mind – I don’t know what it was! – but he decided to give a chance to the young centre-back who didn’t play at all in the season. I took my chance and I think that was a really good moment, because I proved I can really give something as a player to the team and to Southampton. Since then, I try to do my best to help the team and win games. I would say both of my games, defensive and offensive, and working with the ball under the manager I have improved a lot. He’s a very demanding man and I really like it, because that means he really wants me to become a better player and a better human being.
Should also put off suitors after his signature, (a la Chelsea) if anyone wants him now his price tag will be a lot more.
Right so that's one midfielder and one defender who have signed new deals. Must be the turn of a striker....
Fantastic news. Honestly thought he was looking elsewhere but the Ralph-love has been so instrumental in players resigning long contracts
Good news that as he'd have definitely gone next Summer otherwise. Protects us fee wise too even if he does want to move on at some point.
This is fantastic news indeed. Definitely our most consistent CB of the last year or so, and to think he could be here another 5 years on top of the 3 he's already been here is just brilliant!
Oh great. We’ll get beat from 2 nil up every time he scores. I’m delighted really. I remember watching the U21 World Cup or euros just after we signed him (before he’d arrived) and thinking “Crikey, he can’t defend” but he’s knuckles down, worked hard and really improved. Good future ahead of him
"Staying here until someone bigger actually bids" Lets hope he keeps improving to the level where by the top clubs do come sniffing I suppose!
Really happy to see this, because I was increasingly resigned to the fact that we'd likely have a accept a (semi-reasonable) bid given his contract status. Goes to show the knock-on effects of being competitive. I doubt this deal gets done if we're in 16th right now.
