SAINTS captain Jack Stephens remains focused on his playing career but is already laying the groundwork for a future working in the game.

The 31 year old has started his FA coaching badges and could look to help the next generation when he calls time on his own career.

Stephens, who lifted the Championship play-off final trophy at Wembley Stadium in May 2024, boasts nearly 300 matches of senior experience.

The Torpoint-born defender has been at St Mary's since 2011, arriving from Plymouth as a teenager to become a key voice in the dressing room.

Stephens, with one year left on his contract, has already vowed to help Saints return to the Premier League this season, but is planning ahead.

He told the ​Daily Echo: "I've done some of my badges and I want to continue to do them. My focus is on playing, but you have to look longer term.

Jack Stephens celebrates with former teammate Lesley UgochukwuJack Stephens celebrates with former teammate Lesley Ugochukwu (Image: Stuart Martin / Southampton FC)

"I don't think I could do management as it's a lot of stress and I've seen what goes into it and exactly how much pressure and stress there is. 

"There's no guarantees with, with, with managing. But certainly I would like to be coaching at some level, whether that's younger age groups.

"But who knows, I just want to keep my options open for the future."

Last season, Stephens called on the advice of a former Saints captain who has taken his first steps into the dugout at club and international level.

Adam Lallana, 37, ended the campaign as interim assistant manager under Simon Rusk, having already coached at Brighton and England under-21.

Lallana is likely to retire from playing this summer but could remain at St Mary's as a first team assistant coach under new manager Will Still.

"I didn't know how it was going to work and if it was going to be a little bit strange to start with," said Stephens, asked about Lallana. 

"He was captain when I was coming through the system but he's been so helpful to me. "We have got a really good relationship.

"I think for the younger lads, he's been really, really important."