Bad Wolf Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Yesterday I spoke to a member of his immediate family. The long and the short of it was that he's going to ask to leave in the Summer if he isn't played more. Loves the club, loves the fans, loves the area etc but wants first team football and would rather drop down to the Championship and play every week than be 3rd/4th choice anything in the PL. It'd be permanent as well as he doesn't want another loan move. He also, apparently, really doesn't mind where he plays despite rumours last year saying he he "hates" playing RB or CM as long as he plays. I think it'd be a shame but can't blame him for feeling this way. At almost 24 it needs to be now or never. CBs obviously develop slower but I can't help but feel we've wasted this one in sending him out on loan all the time. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farawaysaint Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 In a rotational system after VVD leaves he'd be mad to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 At almost 24 it needs to be now or never. Jack Stephens is roughly 1 month older than Wesley Hoedt, yet behind Hoedt in the pecking order. CBs obviously develop slower but I can't help but feel we've wasted this one in sending him out on loan all the time. His last loan was in League 1 from February to May 2016, he wasn't ready for the Premier League at that time and had many players above him in the pecking order. The loans helped him get to his current level, better playing regularly in League 1 than the under 23s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenridge Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 He wouldn't have played last season either if it wasn't for the parallel absence of VvD and Fonte. It was either him or Stuart Taylor at CB. He did OK. As mentioned, with the imminent departure of VvD, he would get games next year as he's ahead of Gardos and Bednarek. Choice is his of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 I don’t blame the bloke. Did really well last season but suddenly found himself 4th choice , there’s not much between him Wes & Yoshida imo. The difference between his performance at the start of his run and the end was marked, he was getting better and better. VvD poncing about all summer and then just put back in the team as if nothing ever happened must be a real kick in the teeth for him. Hopefully Sunday’s performance will have convinced MP to give him a few more games. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Play 3 at the back, Hoedt left, Yoshida centre and Stephens right. VVD can go now we've proven we can cope without him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Fair enough, he needs to be playing, but isn't quite good enough yet. Happy with him first back up. Even if we had Hoedt and Yoshi first choice after VVD goes, I think it'd be solid enough given time. Rather spend the money in other areas, name attack. When is his "time"? Stephens is older than Hoedt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ally_uk Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Sell Van D get as much as we can and make Stephens the future, We should also on focus more on blooding in the likes of Hesketh and Sims I'm sorry but Redmond is crap get Sims in for competition....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the saint in winchester Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Play 3 at the back, Hoedt left, Yoshida centre and Stephens right. VVD can go now we've proven we can cope without him. This. Entirely this. Thanks for the dedicated service, Virgil, in previous seasons, but as you have made it clear you see your future elsewhere, you can go and Jack Stephens become a regular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 I doubt if he could go to a Championship team if as I heard from someone close to him that his wages were now nearly £50k a week. I took it with a pinch of salt, but this person should know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 I doubt if he could go to a Championship team if as I heard from someone close to him that his wages were now nearly £50k a week. I took it with a pinch of salt, but this person should know Did this person have a copy of The Sun with them? https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/3902616/southampton-reward-virgil-van-dijk-replacement-jack-stephens-with-a-huge-12-5m-deal/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKD Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 At the end of the day 3/4th choice at us is about right for his ability at the moment and the best he can hope for if he wants PL football (which I suspect he knows, given the OP has suggested he'd be happy to take a step down). If we were to sell, would any PL teams be in for him? I very much doubt it. In the main, he done very well filling in for VvD last season, but I wouldn't lose to much sleep if he was to leave and I wouldn't blame him for wanting regular first team football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Really frustrated with our treatment of Jack, there's a very talented footballer there. Unfortunately Virgil's behaviour has been detrimental to Stephens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfahaji Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 If he wants to be starting, he should be doing extra training on heading the ball. Though apparently (as per the thread on Shearer/Dementia programme) teams don't practise that anymore. More the pity, as that's Stephens' biggest weakness. Positioning is a bit iffy, but that is something that experience will help with. Other than that I think he's excellent, it's just a shame that a pairing of Yoshida & Stephens is susceptible to an aerial bombardment. I'd always be worried the opposition would only need a half decent ball into the box and it would be a goal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 From the guardian this week Southampton’s Stephens emerges with real credit It was an afternoon when Jack Stephens needed to show a maturity beyond his 23 years. Mauricio Pellegrino, the Southampton manager, asked him to play as a right-back when the team had possession but tuck in on the right of a central defensive three – with James Ward-Prowse outside him as the wing‑back – when Arsenal pushed forward. There was no margin for error against attackers as slippery as Alexandre Lacazette, Alexis Sánchez and Mesut Özil but Stephens read the game superbly and did not put a foot wrong. He was part of a collective effort that restricted Arsenal to precious few clearcut chances and after which Pellegrino felt empowered to say that “little by little, the team is growing”. The club remain resolutely opposed to cashing in on Virgil van Dijk. On this evidence, they have a defensive prospect that could give them a decision to make. https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/dec/11/premier-league-10-talking-points-weekends-action Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Don’t really know what the guy has to do to be appreciated by some on here. He was thrown in the deep end last season and did really well. He got thrown in during dec against a good attacking side with clever player, in a slightly unusual formation and he did exceptionally well. Had Hoedt made his debut Sunday and played like that the same people would be gushing and wetting their knickers over him. Sunday’s performance was as good as anything Hoedts produced in a Saints shirt. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Saints Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Have to keep him, he is our future IMO. Rate him very highly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 The infamous alleged incident between Stephens, Radhi Jaidi and Les Reed at the Grand Harbour last year means it's no surprise Jack wants to leave. If what Jack's family has said is true, then frankly Jaidi and Reed should be sacked immediately. No young lad, and in fact no human being, deserves that kind of humiliation and embarrassment. It was sickening to read the details and any father would feel the same. Again nothing has been proved yet but once it goes to court next year we will then find the truth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 The infamous alleged incident between Stephens, Radhi Jaidi and Les Reed at the Grand Harbour last year means it's no surprise Jack wants to leave. If what Jack's family has said is true, then frankly Jaidi and Reed should be sacked immediately. No young lad, and in fact no human being, deserves that kind of humiliation and embarrassment. It was sickening to read the details and any father would feel the same. Again nothing has been proved yet but once it goes to court next year we will then find the truth. Want to give a bit of context to this ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint77 Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 The infamous alleged incident between Stephens, Radhi Jaidi and Les Reed at the Grand Harbour last year means it's no surprise Jack wants to leave. If what Jack's family has said is true, then frankly Jaidi and Reed should be sacked immediately. No young lad, and in fact no human being, deserves that kind of humiliation and embarrassment. It was sickening to read the details and any father would feel the same. Again nothing has been proved yet but once it goes to court next year we will then find the truth. Why sign a new contract this summer then seems odd ? If what unsay is true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 The infamous alleged incident between Stephens, Radhi Jaidi and Les Reed at the Grand Harbour last year means it's no surprise Jack wants to leave. If what Jack's family has said is true, then frankly Jaidi and Reed should be sacked immediately. No young lad, and in fact no human being, deserves that kind of humiliation and embarrassment. It was sickening to read the details and any father would feel the same. Again nothing has been proved yet but once it goes to court next year we will then find the truth. What allegedly happened? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 The infamous alleged incident between Stephens, Radhi Jaidi and Les Reed at the Grand Harbour last year means it's no surprise Jack wants to leave. If what Jack's family has said is true, then frankly Jaidi and Reed should be sacked immediately. No young lad, and in fact no human being, deserves that kind of humiliation and embarrassment. It was sickening to read the details and any father would feel the same. Again nothing has been proved yet but once it goes to court next year we will then find the truth. 3 on the hook already nicely done.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dangermouth Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Agree with those who say get rid of VVD and play him. Only way he'll really get better now at his age. Put him in a 3 and Hoedt can cover his aerial weakness, Yoshi can do his covering everyone bit and it means we have some good ball-playing defenders and he's versatile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 The infamous alleged incident between Stephens, Radhi Jaidi and Les Reed at the Grand Harbour last year means it's no surprise Jack wants to leave. If what Jack's family has said is true, then frankly Jaidi and Reed should be sacked immediately. No young lad, and in fact no human being, deserves that kind of humiliation and embarrassment. It was sickening to read the details and any father would feel the same. Again nothing has been proved yet but once it goes to court next year we will then find the truth. **** me and people fell for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint IQ Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 The infamous alleged incident between Stephens, Radhi Jaidi and Les Reed at the Grand Harbour last year means it's no surprise Jack wants to leave. If what Jack's family has said is true, then frankly Jaidi and Reed should be sacked immediately. No young lad, and in fact no human being, deserves that kind of humiliation and embarrassment. It was sickening to read the details and any father would feel the same. Again nothing has been proved yet but once it goes to court next year we will then find the truth. Probably not true as why would you then sign a 5 year deal in July of this year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ally_uk Posted 13 December, 2017 Share Posted 13 December, 2017 Are you that dense? He is winding you up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKD Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Not a CB, so weak defensivly. Would be perfect sitting just in front of our back 4 imo. He’s very good on the ball, but very weak at marking and anytime the ball comes into our box in the air. Their first goal today highlights why we need a new CB, IMO. There’s still a place for him in the team, it’s just not at CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutwood2 Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Yep. Agree with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSAINT Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Not a CB, so weak defensivly. Would be perfect sitting just in front of our back 4 imo. He’s very good on the ball, but very weak at marking and anytime the ball comes into our box in the air. Their first goal today highlights why we need a new CB, IMO. There’s still a place for him in the team, it’s just not at CB. Probably best in a '3' at the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Not a CB, so weak defensivly. Would be perfect sitting just in front of our back 4 imo. He’s very good on the ball, but very weak at marking and anytime the ball comes into our box in the air. Their first goal today highlights why we need a new CB, IMO. There’s still a place for him in the team, it’s just not at CB. Where's he going to fit in the team? DM? Romeu, Lemina and Hojbjerg are ahead of him. We also have no idea how good he is on the ball in the middle of the park where players tend to have less time in possession and need eyes in the back of their head. Bringing the ball out of centre defense with little pressure is a piece of p i$$ by comparison and will make many players look polished. Always felt Stephens was overrated but he has quite a few fanboys on here. Lord D has particular hard-on for the lad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Just like Yoshida, he is an admirable back up (we wouldn’t be able to accommodate 3 decent centre halves with one always on the bench, so we have to accept someone of the calibrate of Yoshida or Stephens playing when injuries or suspensions dictate). BUT there is no way he should be a regular. One of our shortcomings recently has bit been replacing Fonte. We have needed a centre half for a year now and that is somewhat depressing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Albert Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Hmmm... I thought he did well today. He scored a beauty of a goal, and set up the JWP free kick with a typically surging, rambunctious run. His defensive presence in the air is something of a concern, but he was fouled for the 1at goal. The referee missed a lot of calls today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint77 Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Hmmm... I thought he did well today. He scored a beauty of a goal, and set up the JWP free kick with a typically surging, rambunctious run. His defensive presence in the air is something of a concern, but he was fouled for the 1at goal. The referee missed a lot of calls today. Hoedt made the run not Stephens from what I saw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Where's he going to fit in the team? DM? Romeu, Lemina and Hojbjerg are ahead of him. We also have no idea how good he is on the ball in the middle of the park where players tend to have less time in possession and need eyes in the back of their head. Bringing the ball out of centre defense with little pressure is a piece of p i$$ by comparison and will make many players look polished. Always felt Stephens was overrated but he has quite a few fanboys on here. Lord D has particular hard-on for the lad. He loves anyone a bit unorthodox. Not sure he's into 'chicks' to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st alex Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Did a good job pulling Boufal away from taking the free kick (that JWP scored) and speaking to him to calm him down, defused the situation well and good to see we've got some players with leadership qualities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Albert Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Hoedt made the run not Stephens from what I saw Yes once again I got our players mixed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 He loves anyone a bit unorthodox. Not sure he's into 'chicks' to be honest. Ponies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 At least Jack has come out and said he should have done better on the first goal, he knows it was weak. Needs to improve in that area for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefizzy14 Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 At least Jack has come out and said he should have done better on the first goal, he knows it was weak. Needs to improve in that area for sure. Exactly. He is only 24 years old, will only get better and better. 3 goals in 3 games for a centre half Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuel Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Not a CB, so weak defensivly. Would be perfect sitting just in front of our back 4 imo. He’s very good on the ball, but very weak at marking and anytime the ball comes into our box in the air. Their first goal today highlights why we need a new CB, IMO. There’s still a place for him in the team, it’s just not at CB. Yep. Replace him with a VVD/Fonte type and move him forward. Love to see how he'd do once given some room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ally_uk Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 I think he is quality is a massive part of our future. Future captain material aswell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnyboy Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Yes once again I got our players mixed up. Hoedt and Stephens are easy to mix up imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valesaint Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 A defender who can't defend. End of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meatball Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 A defender who can't defend. End of. The sheer arrogance to end a statement of opinion with “end of”. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordic Saint Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Jack Stephens is an excellent footballer and I'd love to see him played farther forward, as he has great skill on the ball and an eye for goal. At the moment he is in a central defensive partnership with another youngster and they are both learning. They shouldn't really have been put in that situation. That's not his fault. Our experienced central defenders were all sold and you really need an older player leading the back line at this level, like Fonte did. But, Stephens is learning fast and, like McQueen and Ward-Prowse, he is going to get even better next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelman Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 Stephens vs Alexis Sanchez tells me that he can defend. END OF. FACT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Uwe Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 It's easy to forget how little game time he has had for us really. Only been a regular (of sorts) for the past 12 months. As others have said, hopefully he'll keep progressing and get better with experience. He has got plenty of time on his side, Fonte hit his best form for us after he turned 30. Yoshida is approaching 30 and is certainly a lot better than he was to begin with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 I still think he can make it was a CB. His weaknesses are things that come with experience - and if you look at the players he's lost at set pieces, they've got heaps of experience compared to him. Not poor at the back just a little naive perhaps. I'd give him next season as a starter as well to show how he can improve. Sent from my SM-J330FN using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manzo Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 The sheer arrogance to end a statement of opinion with “end of”. Pro tip: I find that if I replace the phrase "end of" with "I'm a massive tw*t", I find any statements preceding it a lot more palatable. Hope that helps... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simo Posted 3 February, 2018 Share Posted 3 February, 2018 I would really like to see Stephens and Hoedt mature and grow together as a pair, If one of them can cultivate a bit more aggression and both work on their upper body strength in a couple of years they COULD be a formidable partnership imo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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