The news every Saints fan wants to hear, Jack Cork wants to continue his stay at Southampton Football Club.

Speaking to Sky Sports Jack Cork has confirmed that he does not want to leave St Mary's on the contary he is hoping to extend his stay by signing a new contract, although he stresses that for the meantime his concentration is going to be on establishing himself in Ronald Koeman's plans.

Jack Cork has had a bit of a raw deal at Saints of late, after following up a great season in the Championship for the club with being runner up in the player of the year award in our first season back in the Premier League he suddenly found himself out in the cold in Mauricio Pochettino's team and in the first three months of 2013/14 played only 9 minutes of football.

An injury to Wanyama saw him return and put is a series of solid displays that again saw him feature highly in the player of they year stakes, the departure of Pochettino may have actually pleased him, clearly the Argentinian had a way of working and if you are number two you never get a game.

The arrival of Ronald Koeman must have made him think he would get more of a chance this year, however initially that would not be the case, but under the Dutchman things are different and not only does he give players a chance to prove themselves, but with his varying tactics there is plenty of scope for squad rotation.

So Jack Cork does what he does well, he quietly got on with showing his new manager he was worth a place and on Saturday he gave Koeman real food for thought when with his first League start he put in a 9/10 performance and capped it with a goal that showed he not only has work rate but can read the game.

Now Cork has mentioned the one thing on most Saints fans mind when his name is mentioned and that is about his signing a new contract, given that the chances are that Morgan Schneiderlin will leave by next summer at the latest, making sure that Cork does not follow him out of the door is surely a priority in that with so many quality central midfielders at the club at the moment, we could cover the loss of Schneiderlin from whom we already have in our ranks.

Speaking to Sky Sports Cork said.

"There has not been anything said, I've not said anything yet," said the 25-year-old. "I would like to see how many games I can play, see if I can do well, and see what happens after that.

"Obviously [leaving at the end of your deal] does cross people's minds, but this is a club I have been at for four years.

"Everyone is settled here and obviously it is nice to feel like you are wanted somewhere, so it would be nice [to talk about a new deal] but we'll see what happens.

"I just want to keep playing. I wasn't sure how the season was going to go from the start and if I can just keep staying in and around the squad, then let's see what happens after that."

Another summer acquisition was Cork's close friend Ryan Bertrand, who joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea, with an option to buy at the end of that term and Cork could be key in Bertrand himself wanting to be here next season as team spirit is rebuilt after the summer departures.

They both came through Chelsea's youth system together, then went on loan just down the coast from Southampton, to Bournemouth at the same time and represented England youth teams.

"He just turned up," Cork said. The first thing I saw was a picture on the internet and then he rang me and said 'where should I stay?' I was like 'what are you talking about?'

"It was funny. He is a great lad and he will help the team. He is one of my best friends in football."

Photo: Action Images

redkraft added 09:22 - Sep 16 This seems like an easy decision. Even if we don't really want him for the long term (and I don't know why we wouldn't) we should sign him up and sell him for a few million next summer.
3

patred added 09:46 - Sep 16 quite honestly England should look at him closely, they are in need of defensive midfielder by Woys own admittance. They are even playing Jack Wilshire there, out of position. And, he is woeful in that role... Get him signed
2

ChristchurchSaint added 11:44 - Sep 16 It is nice to see that Jack is not too concerned about a new contract yet, he is obviously just happy being here under RoKo. However, this is a no-brainer- he has been one of our most consistent players since he has been at St Mary's and without doubt will be a valuable asset if Morgan does decide (like the others) that the grass is greener on the other side and he doesn't mind sitting on the bench more!

1

bstokesaint added 12:24 - Sep 16 Cork is a class player and I'd be gutted if he left us. Just remember how our fortunes changed when he recovered from injury after he represented Team GB in the Olympics. We are much better team for having him in it. Also, with regards to Schneiderlin, where's the guarantee he'll be gone by next summer? He wanted the club to show more ambition and they did. What if Saints finish above Spurs? Would he still go there? And also would they ever be prepared to pay his worth? I think it all depends on whether Arsenal re-new their interest? For now I'm happy he's getting better and better and more and more valuable. Like Corky.

3

WestSussexSaint added 13:09 - Sep 16 A class act and now he has managed to work out where the net is it is a no brainer to sign him up!
0

1885_SFC added 13:48 - Sep 16 At just 25-years old, Corky still has his best years ahead of him. He's proved once again this season that he is a player we should be definitely keeping, no matter what. Come on Saints, get his future sorted by offering him a new deal. Jack Cork deserves it.
0

Whatsforpud added 15:12 - Sep 16 Cork seems to be playing further up the pitch this season, hence the two goals. Previously he seldom got anywhere near their penalty area, being content with shots from distance. Just extend that contract.
-1

A1079 added 16:14 - Sep 16 I cannot see any reason why we would not sort out a contract. It is a no brainer. Cork and Davis have been the quiet jewels in our crown for a number of seasons now.
0

davepid added 17:41 - Sep 16 If we are to be second by Xmas then we need to extend Corks contract. It makes no business sense nor football sense to have him out of contract
0

davepid added 18:20 - Sep 16 Incidentally , whose going to be better than us by Xmas!!
0

Zambucco added 12:17 - Sep 17 I've was never a great believer in Jack, although a good player, never great player. I never thought he was tough enough as a defensive midfielder. BUT! His newer role allowing him to play higher up, really seems to suit him. My evaluation has therefore changed, I don't think we've seen the best of this boy yet. It also makes sense of why Ramirez was put out on loan? On the subject of Schneiderlin, why say "given that the chances are that Morgan Schneiderlin will leave by next summer at the latest" is a bit pessimistic. It stands to reason, if we maintain our present form, and if the "top six" do not perform as expected, surely he will consider staying longer? It would be a very greedy/ambitious player to leave a team, he has helped mould into a success, if he continues to progress under Koeman and establish himself in the French national side, to see other players who have left struggle for first team football, just to leave for more money. After all if the teams interested do not perform, that's all they''l be able to offer. I'm reserving judgement on that call, after all this summer has shown there is no loyalty, despite kissing the badge on front of your adoring fans! Exciting times ahead COYR!

1

Blogs 31 bloggers

Shrewsbury Town Polls