Stoke City FC
Stoke City boss makes ‘unfortunate’ point as Enda Stevens decision explained
![](https://sportzonenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/stoke-4.webp)
Steven Schumacher has revealed why he was so keen to make veteran defender Enda Stevens his first signing as Stoke City head coach.
The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland full-back was out of contract after an injury-hit first season at the bet365 Stadium, but opted to agree a new deal earlier this week to extend his stay.
And Schumacher believes convincing the former Premier League player to do so is a real coup for the club. He explained: “I think everyone’s seen the quality he’s got. I’ve known Enda for a long time and watched him play in the Premier League, and being a full international he is a massively experienced player.
“It was unfortunate when we first came in that he had just picked up an injury, so we wasn’t able to get him on the pitch until right into the run-in. But the way he played from the Hull game onwards, he was a massive part in the team’s success.”
Stevens was recruited from Sheffield United United last July under Schumacher’s predecessor as boss, Alex Neil, but only managed 21 appearances as injuries started to bite.
However, Stoke recorded four wins and three draws in their final eight matches following Stevens’ return in late March, and overall they averaged 1.5 points from the 18 league games in which he featured over the entire season.
Schumacher said that sort of form made convincing Stevens to stay was a ‘no brainer’. He told the club website: “His experience, his quality, his calmness, keeping the group nice and steady, yeah, he was excellent, so when the opportunity was there to extend his contract, I felt I wanted to do that.
“Not only has he got all those qualities I’ve already mentioned, he’s a really good person as well and a good influence in the dressing room. He’s positive, he trains well, so for me it was a no-brainer, and thankfully he chose to extend his stay here.”
For More Stories Like This, Check Our Sport Page.
-
Club Brugge1 month ago
Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper just won 4th title in 5 years since £8.3m exit
-
Wolverhampton wanders6 months ago
Wolves agree transfer deal and it’s great news for West Ham over striker hopes
-
Wolverhampton wanders7 months ago
Massive clubs now want Wolves outcast who’s barely featured under O’Neil
-
Celtic6 months ago
Celtic now make approach to sign Scott McKenna
-
Nottingham forest7 months ago
Nuno did something at Wolves which Nottingham Forest fans really won’t like if it continues
-
New Zealand warriors3 months ago
Ex-Warriors and Storm prop released by overseas club
-
Celtic6 months ago
Celtic and Rangers both want to sign £3m Scotland international
-
Nottingham forest7 months ago
New boss Nuno sends pointed Nottingham Forest transfer message as he eyes Wolves repeat
Pingback: Swans confirm who is staying and congratulations Abdulai !
Pingback: Today's Cardiff City news as duo expected to depart and Wembley..