Jack Stephens is still the Southampton captain as it stands and many expected that will be the case given that he recently signed a new 3 year contract, but judging by Will Still's latest words, there could be a new man in charge.

Most Saints fans were baffled that Jack Stephens was not only given a new contract, but that it was a 3 year deal that will take him to the age of 34.

Stephens was a strange choice as skipper when he was given the honour by Russell Martin 2 years ago, Stephens who joined the club from Plymouth in the summer of 2011 at the age of 17, but was a slow starter, he made his debut for the club in January 2012 in the FA Cup at Coventry, but had to wait almost 6 years for his next appearance, firstly a League cup game and then his League debut at Everton in January 2017.

Since then a season on loan at Bournemouth aside he has always been a good squad member, but in then 7 1/2 season in the Saints squad he has started just 143 games with another 21 off the bench.

A good solid squad member who could be called upon to do a job, but if you think that your Captain should firstly be a nailed on started in your team and secondly he should be seen as a leader of men, he was not the obvious choice.

So the big question at the moment is whether Will Still has seen enough in training and the pre season friendlies that will lead him to keep Stephens as Captain.

The problem though for Still is that until he knows who is staying and going, his choices are somewhat limited, if he wants a Captain in the defence then the two obvious candidates Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis could both be leaving in August.

In the centre of midfield he might see Flynn Downs as a leader, but these three aside unless he considers Ronnie Edwards ready to step up to the plate.

But in recent comments to The Daily Echo Will Still perhaps dropped a hint as to who he see's as his Captain next season.

That was a player who was expected to leave, Charlie Taylor was criminally over looked by all three of last season's managers, but Still saw him play in the final game of last season and seems to be impressed and he had this to say about the situation.

“Chaz is such a calm and composed figure. He’s reliable and is always going to be there,

"He showed it at the back end of last season when I came to watch the game against Arsenal, playing at centre-half that day.

"He’s good in and around the dressing room because he brings a level head and a bit of composure to what he does."

This is intriguing when you also consider that although Jack Stephens was the captain in the first half, Taylor captained Saints in the second half of the friendlies last week against Gillingham & Valenciennes at Staplewood.

So is Will Still going to change the Captaincy ? that we will get a big clue of in Spain this week.

Personally I think that he should, Jack Stephens should remain as club captain, he is a well respected squad member, but he is not the leader of men that we need on the pitch.

That man could be Charlie Taylor who it seems impressed Will Still in the final game of the season against Arsenal.

All Photos Via Reuters

Bowlercow added 10:38 - Jul 21 If Charlie gets the job will he become a nailed on strarter like JS was under RM. I'm not convinced that he should be a first choice CB or FB and believe we have better options
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BigbadBarry8myboat added 12:08 - Jul 21 Only thing that needs writing after the title is :"Any one but Jack Stephens". To captain a team you need to be good enough to hold down your spot. Stephens is awful and both time in preseason he's started he's given the opposition a goal.
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Block47M added 15:10 - Jul 21 For a good winning side you need strong leaders in positions all over the pitch, referred to sometimes termed a leadership group or co-leaders. Will Still shouldn’t feel pressured to make anyone his Captain until the squad and first choice side is more settled; they all need a good shake up and the stronger voices and leadership examples will come to the fore. Bide your time Will!

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Jesus_02 added 15:58 - Jul 21 TBH - England U21 Captain. Could be the future for Southampton.
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DiscoStoobs added 15:59 - Jul 21 I thought exactly the same as Big Barry - anyone but Jack! If he stays then THB if not, (assuming they'll be a regular starter) one of Taylor, Charles or new signing. I wouldn't consider Downes after the way he threw his toys out of the pram last season
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Colburn added 17:29 - Jul 21 Wouldn’t be surprised if he went for Downes, despite what happened last year. Natural leader by example with the effort he puts in, captain may make him more measured and less rash, he plays in the middle of the park and will start every game. He’s then also the right man to captain us in the Prem next year… Give him the responsibility and I think he will grow into it quickly. As you say, Jack is our club captain and may not start or stay fit all year. Charles is too young for me in the Saints shirt but I would happily see Fernandes as skipper too, another who leads by example and has the passion.

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underweststand added 18:33 - Jul 21 Players like JWP were nailed-on selections in every game, as well as being team captain. Memory serves that we've had " club captains " before, but that didn't mean that Jack is necessarily an automatic starting choice, if he is to be with us for a longer period. Alternatives ? ...There is no certainty that THB will still be here come September, and I have the feeling that he has one or two behavioural issues he must learn from, but Shea Charles already has a lot of league experience and is also captain in the Northern Ireland team and so maybe he is a good choice in what is an otherwise " fairly young" squad.

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