Michael Jacobs issues contract plea to tie down Wolves duo
Michael Jacobs today urged Wolves to tie down Richard Stearman and Dave Edwards to new deals.
Both players are out of contract this summer and Stearman in particular has already attracted speculation after being linked with Premier League new boys Burnley and Celtic on social media.
It's understood talks have yet to begin with either player, but there is no shortage of support from within the camp for the two most experienced players in the promotion-winning squad after captain Sam Ricketts.
"'Stears' was one of the players of the season and was unlucky not to be named in the PFA team of the year," said Jacobs.
"He reads the game so well and him and Danny Batth formed a big partnership with the full-backs.
"He's been very strong this season and has shown a consistency of performance and has done it in the top leagues as well.
"He knows all about the level and it's a big priority for the club to keep hold of him.
"He's a good lad in the dressing room too, and for me, getting him to stay is a massive priority."
Jacobs has been equally impressed with Edwards, who ended the season with nine goals in just 22 league starts.
"Dave is an excellent player. He's one of those that goes under the radar but you look at the runs he makes, how hard he works and his goals ratio and I don't think I've seen anyone like that or that effective," said the former Derby midfielder.
"To score nine goals from just 22 starts is outstanding and there's no reason why we shouldn't keep him.
"To be nominated for Player of the Month in April just shows what a good player he is and I think it would be good for the club to keep him.
"The runs he makes, the timing of them and the way he keeps himself onside is excellent - he's a really good player."
There seems to be confidence from inside Molineux that the club will persuade Stearman, who is 26, and 28-year-old Edwards to commit their futures to Wolves for what should be the best years of their careers.
But there may be some horse trading to be done with both as they signed their last deals when Wolves were a Premier League club, Stearman two-and-a-half-year terms in January 2011 and Edwards, a three-year agreement in September 2010 with a 12-month option taken up last summer.
