Monday 21 July 2014 17:31, UK
Richard Stearman is delighted with his new deal at Wolverhampton Wanderers as he expected to be on his way out of the club last summer.
The defender has committed to a two-year extension at Molineux after playing his way back into favour.
As part of a squad that suffered back-to-back relegations to tumble from the Premier League into League One, Stearman admits he was readying himself for a fresh start.
A loan spell at Ipswich Town appeared to have opened that door, but the 26-year-old was drafted back into Wolves’ plans by Kenny Jackett and is now enjoying a new lease of life.
Stearman said in the Birmingham Mail on a contract that takes him through to 2016: “It lingered on a bit longer than I would have liked but once the gaffer told me he wanted me to stay, we got there in the end.
“It got to the point where I was out of contract. I was able to speak to whoever I wanted.
“There was interest and possibly more money elsewhere, but once I’d got things agreed here I was delighted to put pen to paper.
“They’re happy and I’m happy. I’ll be 28 when it runs out. I’m coming into my prime now, I’ve still got a lot to learn.
“I think I’ve come a long way since arriving here as a fresh-faced 20-year-old.”
Stearman added on how far he has come in the last 12 months: “The feeling was that I wasn’t going to be here.
“I was in and around it and I am 100 per cent professional in that I will give it my all until I am told I am not needed, so I got on with my job and he (Jackett) was great towards me.
“He felt I might be on my way as well. It didn’t take us long to strike up a bond - he wanted me here and I liked what I saw.
“Nothing else really materialised anyway, so it was perfect to get our heads round the fact I was going to be here.
“In the summer I thought that was me done. I’d had a successful loan spell and was surplus to requirements at the back end of that season.
“I thought I might be moving on. That’s just football. I wasn’t glad I might me leaving because I had loved my time here, but I was certainly delighted I was able to continue my stay.”