Would be a shame to lose Stones, one of the best defenders I have seen for us in a long time, defensively I mean, as a defender. Got stitched up when playing the ball out under Martinez because he got tackled a couple of times, very little compared to the 'god knows how many' times he tried to calmly play his way out.. Didn't cost us goals, but there were a couple of near misses that have been escalated to near myth levels by the media, who have painted the chances out as thought it was half the reason we finished bottom half.
His last ditch challenges, countless interceptions when he steps out strolls off with the ball and reading of the game has saved us many times last few seasons.... BUT...
We may well be better with a no nonsense, route one defender though, and to be honest, they are cheap as (expensive) chips compared to ball players like he is, though no where near as good to watch.
