Stephens labels Southampton contract extension a 'win-win'

The Daily Echo exclusively revealed that the skipper, who was into the last 12 months of his Saints deal, had an extension clause triggered.

Saints winning promotion by beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley in the play-off final means Stephens is now on terms that are set to expire in 2026.

Meanwhile, Adam Armstrong signed a new long-term contract earlier this month and both Kyle Walker-Peters and Jan Bednarek have been offered new deals.

Stephens, speaking to the Daily Echo during the club's pre-season tour out in Spain, looked ahead to leading the team out in the Premier League.

He said: "That contract was the agreement last summer that if we did get promoted, it would trigger another year, so I'm delighted with that.

Jack Stephens lifts the Championship play-off trophy at Wembley (Image: Richard Crease)

"It was a win-win for everyone, to be honest. My first thought was getting the club promoted but it's worked well for me getting the extra year.

"I'm very excited for the next two years. I'm excited for the Premier League. I'm excited for the first game. It's a big challenge but they're all tough.

"The league is getting harder and harder and you almost want a big test early on. Newcastle away is going to be a fantastic place to go and play."

Manager Russell Martin has been clear about the club's ambition to attack the Premier League with their own clear style.

Saints kept the ball more than even Manchester City last season, on their road to finishing third-place in the Championship and play-off success.

Martin's message is one Stephens - who spent a lot of last campaign at either left-back or stepping into midfield - approves of. 

Stephens explained: "I hope the fans are excited because certainly as a player, you want the manager to be assertive and clear on how we will play.

Saints captain Jack Stephens and manager Russell Martin (Image: PA)

"There's absolutely no question about that. It's one thing saying we're going to do it in the Championship but we want to do it in the Premier League too." 

He added: "During a Premier League season, especially for a newly promoted club, you will have a lot of highs, but you'll have a few lows as well.

"We don't want that, but naturally, sometimes it will happen. I think it's just important that we stick together and understand that it's a difficult league.

"We have to stick together and make sure we keep our heads up and stay confident with the way we play because when we're confident it's when we're at our best.

"It's when we start doubting ourselves, changing things or playing off the cuff a little bit, that's when problems start to happen."