Seems to be this rumour flying around that we’re signing Stephans from Southampton. Personally think he’s absolutely rubbish. Only positive behind this must mean Ekong is off, because he is certainly not a LCB. Negative side is that we’re replacing one donkey with another donkey. Stephans will want to be in our first 11, but from what I’ve seen of him over the years is that he is a massive liability. Now maybe the Prem is a step up from his ability and he will be an excellent CB in the championship. That’s certainly what I will be hoping for if we sign him.
https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/57687-jack-stephens-saint-or-sinner/page/5/ Not pretty reading whatsoever and backs up everything I’ve said above. I seriously hope we’re not after him.
I’m hearing he could be an excellent player at championship level or an utter liability who would kill any hope of promotion. I’m also hearing we may be close to signing him or our recruitment team have never even heard of him. #onetowatch.
I'm going to wait and see what the overall reaction is on the forum, as I'm incapable of forming my own opinion on a player.
Whenever I’ve seen him he’s been terrible. Wouldn’t want him here, really. Also if this is the Samir replacement and we’re not signing a left-footer then that really would be the cherry on the dog s***.
From what I can recall he’s awful in the air, but other than that a pretty decent player. In a 3, it is easier to hide aerial weakness than in a 2 so don’t think that would be that much of an issue. But still an odd one unless we’re somehow able to get good money for WTE or Kabasele.
I don’t think anything is conclusive until we have a diamond shaped thing that only people like @reids understands with an equally confusing shape for Troost Ekong
Stephens, Hause and Sierralta should in theory be a very good champ backline. Probably all in that class of too good for Champ, not PL quality...
Oh dear the majority really don't rate him. He's going to be 29 in January too. But the point we should be making is, is he better than WTE, Kabs and Cathcart? He's never really stood out as quality when I've seen him but admittedly that's not often. I believe that there is so.much better out there.
This is a masterclass in the internet. It seem that LouOrns might've said something on one of the Twitter Spaces, which is fair enough if he's heard something. But now, Watford accounts have started saying it could happen, which has been picked up by Southampton accounts, which are now being retweeted by other Watford accounts, all whilst it doesn't seem that any media outlets are reporting it. As soon as they do, quoting random fans, then it enters a whole new level of faux credibility. To be clear, this isn't a comment on LouOrns saying he's heard something, we all like a bit of the inside track, just amazing to watch how it spreads, with the initial source now lost and people sharing it with no idea if true or not!
My recollection of him is of being a poor defender at PL level. But then so were Cathcart, Kabs and WTE. His passing and aerial stats seem underwhelming also. If we are interested I'd hope it's only a loan.
Didn’t he score in the FA cup v us when Gracia was manager and Holebas had a word or two with some fans? Seems to have been at Southampton for a long time without really getting regular games .
It’s a permanent I think. Supposedly said his goodbyes on Saturday to teammates etc. Was brought on in the 90th minute over Lyanco so I imagine it was a last appearance gesture.
I think he's got a bit more about him defensively than those options but you're right about his aerial stats - they're awful in comparison and I think that'll likely get targeted more in the Champ than in the PL
It’s just a stupid signing (if true). He’s literally proven for years that’s he’s not good enough at Prem level. Majority of Saints fans all want him gone and have done for ages. Our goal is promotion, so even if he comes in and helps us achieve that, we have to replace him next summer because he’s woeful at Prem level. He’s the sort of defender that makes you get relegated again.
What do you think about his passing? His FBRef stats don't suggest they're that great either. Is he at least more composed on the ball than Kabs?
