BREAKING NEWS : Stoke City boss explains key contract decision with hint at what else is needed

Stoke City have extended the contract of left-back Enda Stevens, who is eager to assist the club develop the appropriate changing room for a good season ahead. After extending Enda Stevens’ contract, Steven Schumacher praised the left-back’s impact on and off the field.

Stevens, 33, has signed a new 12-month contract with Stoke City after returning from injury to play a key role in the club’s drive to safety. There is hope that Stevens can stay fit enough to play more next season, and that his promotion-winning experience at Portsmouth and Sheffield United will help him contribute something extra to the party. “I thought Enda was outstanding in the last eight games,” Schumacher remarked during an extensive postseason interview with the Sentinel. “He hadn’t been able to play since we arrived here until that time. He trained with the team for a few weeks here and there but never reached the required fitness level. He had injuries throughout his recuperation and did not play his first reserve game until shortly before the Hull game.During the international break, he participated in an under-21 game behind closed doors. I watched the 45 minutes or so he played and could see the quality that he certainly possesses. I saw that in training, but seeing it in a game

The scenario is different.”Then we decided to start him in the Hull game, which was a difficult decision since he was up against one of the finest players in the division, Jaden Philogene, who is unquestionably one of the top wingers. We’d had a few of injuries as well, so throwing him in was risky.

“But the way he performed in that game made us think, ‘Wow, what a good footballer he is.'” And if you can do it in under 45 minutes, that gives us confidence.

“He did not participate in the Easter Monday game because it would have been too quick. However, when he was called to play again, he performed admirably.

His experience, quality, and the way he acts in the dressing room, which is pleasant and peaceful. “When I told him, ‘We want to offer you a new contract,’ he was eager to stay because he sensed that we were attempting to develop something positive here.

“He gave me some advice as well about what the dressing room kind of needs and the personalities that we need to try to bring in so he is a big help.”