Stephens signs new two-year contract

The 29-year-old has today put pen-to-paper on the new deal, extending his commitment to the club which stretches back to 2011.

Making his debut as a 17-year-old, Stephens has gone on to make 151 appearances for Saints and has already become an integral part of Russell Martin’s squad moving into the 2023/24 campaign.

Jack Stephens said: "I’m very pleased. It's nice to get it all sorted before the season starts and just allows me to focus on the football and hopefully have a positive season.

"I think over the summer there was a lot of uncertainty over what was going on. But I had some good conversations with the manager and he made it clear that he wanted me to stay and I've loved working with him these first few weeks and I'm really confident that we're going to have a good season, so it was an easy decision for me to sign the contract and I'm really happy.”

Director of Football Jason Wilcox said: “Jack is an integral part of the club and having been here for 12 years, his loyalty is extremely valued by us.

“His leadership makes him a key part of our rebuilding project and Jack will play a telling contribution both this season and beyond. I’m delighted he has signed this new contract and bought into the vision we have under the guidance of Russell Martin.”