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Sky Bet Championship: Richard Stearman expected to leave Wolves in 2013

Image: Richard Stearman: Wolves defender has penned a new two-year deal

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.”

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