The article it was announced on said "Skipper signs" it would be hilariously cruel to then remove that from him.
Pretty sure they've said he is. As others have said, it's not the end of the world but I was really hoping we'd be moving on from him. Hopefully he ends up playing a late Jason Dodd or Danny Butterfield role where he doesn't actually play that much
I know that was extremely unprofessional but that's probably my favourite moment of his during his time at the club.
I dunno, him shoving Wilshire around when he was a young kid breaking through for us was pretty funny, if only cos Wilshire was being a petulant little **** that day and probably deserved it
I can't imagine that's the case if theyre also saying he's the captain. Sounds like he's a big part of the plan. Just feels like my biggest fears coming true. New manager comes in, ignores the utter **** of previous years, foolishly believes the players are good enough if they get promoted and then get absolutely battered in the Prem again despite the fact every fan and their dog can see the players who aren't good enough. I know it's way way way too early to say but I just do not see how anyone can say Stephens has earned this, he's tripped, fell, stumbled and clattered into a three year deal with a captaincy some how.
Yeah, this is probably the worst aspect of it for me. The fact that we're still aren't learning lessons. Even as a standalone decision, I don't agree with giving him a three-year contract (because unless we anticipate remaining in the Championship for the entire spell, then he isn't good enough to be part of any future PL squad). But the fact that we continue to make the same mistakes...it's really deflating.
But but but... He's an important figure in the dressing room I personally, absolutely hate this decision. And I'm generally quite the optimist!
I don't really mind either way on this one. He's fine for the Championship, and clearly has something about him that is "good for the dressing room". He has spirit, so give me a bit of that over some of the other nonsense we've signed.
Yeah fair comment. That was enough to strip him of the captaincy last season imo, but it didn't happen. I was thinking model professional in the way he is around the club, his dedication in training etc he's been called out for a being a model professional by various managers and people connected with the club over the last 3 or so years. He's obviously got a hot headed side on the pitch though which makes my model professional comment laughable. I do believe he cares and is committed and dedicated to Saints though and appears to be a good character for the younger players coming to the club which was more the point I was trying to make. It's got to be for this reason the deal has come about.
Yeah, I wouldn't have given him an extension at all and had the same concerns about changing manager again. I'd have kept him this year and then let him go as we (hopefully) upgrade for the Premier League next summer. But it's not impossible he plays a smaller role over time. As I say, I think Dodd stayed club captain even as his playing role reduced.
He was "Shoehorn Jack" a couple of years ago, getting picked by Martin to the detriment of the overall team. I believe we have to do better in defence and move on from the past.
He has been here since he was 16 so he clearly loves it here. I would take him over most of the defenders we have signed over the last few seasons and they could do a lot worse than take a leaf out of his book. As I said on the transfer thread if Will Still thinks he can still do a job here then so be it.
Tbh, not too bothered about this. I think it goes back to that Lambert interview that was posted on here the other day when he was talking about Lallana's move to the coaching setup. Specifically, he was talking about trying to get an identity back for the club as so many players have left. Having a core of staff/players who have strong ties to the club and what it means to be a part of a Saints team will help drive that message and set expectations. I don't expect cap'n Jack to be starting every match when fit for the next three years (Championship should hopefully be his level) but I do think he'll play an important part in the team particularly in the off-field duties a captain takes on.
Jack is taking his coaching badges too so perhaps that is also part of the reason he has signed for 3 years. We know what we are getting with Jack so it is not as much of a risk as some unknown. I also don't think he will be a regular in the Prem if we get back there at the end of the season but I can see him as a future coach here.
