Quite surprising?

No, I don’t think so. He’s probably taking a pay cut, and he still offers versatility across the positions. I know that Powell also sees him as a positive influence in the dressing room and in training, so as a return on investment it’s probably seen as worthwhile. He can kick goals too, and we’re not blessed with good goalkickers at this stage. I think Stef himself also knows he may not be on the team sheet each week over the next 2 years.

wrong decision for me. The club has made a decision with the heart rather than the head I think.

Been a great servant to the club and a brilliant signing but his best years are behind him. Too slow now for Fullback and offers nothing in the halves. Should have said goodbye and given the responsibility to the kids.

Interesting that he's escaped the cull. Powell must see him as a positive influence.

Probably on reduced wages, and keeps some continuity/experience.

He is 34 in July. I think I would have given him 1 year. Two seems quite a gamble but he nay have had a 2 year offer on the table from elsewhere.

One year deal understandable.

Two year deal debatable.

Unless anyone on here is privy to the terms of the deal (and that doesn’t mean ‘I heard it down the pub’ or ‘in the back of my cab’) how can we possibly say whether it’s a good deal or not. Yes, he’s slowing down but he still offers versatility and experience. For all we know this could be a transition to a coaching role?

^^^^^
This

It's a good deal for Ratch and the club

Seconded. He’s an intelligent guy and I’m sure there’s something in the pipeline to do with assisting the coaching team further down the line.

I wonder if he going to captain the reserves and fill in when there's crisis, as he doesn't merit a shirt in the starting 13 for me.

Bad decision.Past his sell by date.

He'll simply turn in to a Utility player now and we could do muchmuch worse. I've no complaints with this as he more than likely won't play every week from next year. 2 years seems a bit long but i'm not gonna complain.

Debatable but wholly dependent upon the deal and the player's expectation. Two years on marquee money with a guaranteed starting jersey then i might agree but reduced terms and a utility role filling in when and where needed then the decision might not be as bad as you think

No

Could be a lot more to the thinking here than just his playing ability.

If Powell wants to make a point that non-committed players will be shown the door, perhaps he also wants to make a point that commitment to the cause will be rewarded.

Over the next 2.5 years he may be leaning on Ratchford to be a bridge between the coaching staff and players, and use his experience to help blood the younger players.

He may not be a starter anymore in our eyes but he still has plenty to offer.

Absolutely this.

Get rid of the bad apples & we might see a rejuvenated Ratchford. Powell must be happy with his expectations of Stef. Perhaps the cull is what also spurred Philbin to a better start against Hull.

That’s what I was getting at really, been a great servant but 2 years seems a risk. Glad he’s staying though, always been a fan.

I'm glad he is staying, ratchford has never let us down and has played multiple positions well without sulking about being messed around etc. He's still got great utility value and plenty in the tank.

From previous comments it seems Stef may have media ambitions, and given JJB manages to get on air, Stef shouldn’t have any problems going down that route.

Another nail in the coffin for any player considered as "young/youth".
They might as well go elsewhere

i like this deal..... while he isnt the player he was a few years ago, it sends the right message.

powell must believe he can have a positive impact in and around the club.... so while showing he will ruthlessly cut anyone who doesnt have the right professional attitude, he is also showing the other side of his decision making.

Also his versatility means he can cover positions 1,3,4,6,7,9... even 13.... well worth a 2 year reduced contract.

I believe


















hehas been



















I believe he has been offered a role in the commercial team when his playing days are over as well

Catching your breath there, Leslie? Sounds like you typed your inner monologue as you walked up a large set of stairs