Southampton captain Stephens reveals reaction to Still appointment

Stephens admitted he is looking forward to working with the 32 year old Belgian-born English coach as Saints look to make an instant return to the Premier League.

Still has signed a three-year deal at Southampton and was in attendance for their final game of the Premier League season.

That game was a brief opportunity to meet his new players, but as Stephens points out, Still will really get to know his squad once pre-season gets under way.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about Still's arrival, Stephens noted that Southampton's players are enlivened ahead of the club's next chapter.

"I am very excited. Obviously, he comes with a really good reputation and the lads were informed of it just before the game against Arsenal on the final day of the season.

Will Still in attendance for Saints vs Arsenal at St Mary's. (Image: Stuart Martin) READ: Which returning loan players can make an impact at Saints under Still?

"We're all really excited for the next chapter and moving to next season, and trying to hit the ground running.

"I've not spoken with him much yet. It happened fairly quickly, and we wanted to focus on the final game and finishing the season as well as we could.

"I think now that today the season is out of the way, we can start to focus on next year. I'm looking forward to it."

Stephens missed the final game of the season, a late 2-1 home defeat against Arsenal, after suffering a fractured wrist in training.

The captain hopes to be back in time for pre-season after receiving a four-to-six-week estimation for recovery.

The 31 year old remains under contract at St Mary's for one more season, and made 19 Premier League appearances, scoring once, as Saints were relegated. 

Jack Stephens with Southampton youngsters Jay Robinson and Jayden Moore. (Image: Stuart Martin)

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Stephens played 26 times as Southampton won promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2023/24, and still looks back fondly on that trip to Wembley.

"The memories of that day are incredible. To share that with my teammates, and then my family, to win at Wembley is not something that comes around too often," he added.

"It's something that I will treasure, but also look back on as, probably, the proudest moment of my career. (Doing that again) has to be the aim.

"We weren't good enough as players this season. We got promoted together and now we've been relegated together. 

"We have to take what we can out of it, and when we come back, make sure we give a much better account of ourselves."