Jack Butland set for new Stoke deal, Mark Hughes says By Stephen Turner
Last Updated: 01/03/16 3:49pm
Mark Hughes says Jack Butland is in line for a new Stoke contract after establishing himself as the club's No 1 goalkeeper. The England international is less than a year into his current long-term deal but has stepped up to become first choice since Asmir Begovic left for Chelsea last summer. And Hughes believes Butland, 22, merits improved terms after proving himself among the Premier League's best 'keepers this season. "I certainly wouldn't be averse to it," said Hughes, speaking at his press conference ahead of Wednesday's game against Newcastle.
"Obviously, Jack's just signed a long-term deal, but that was just prior to the situation we had with Asmir. At that point Jack wasn't the confirmed No 1 which he is now - circumstances have changed and that's the thinking behind revisiting the contract situation.
"Yes [he is one of the best in the Premier League]. The chief executive won't thank me for saying that because it makes negotiations more difficult, but I think he's shown it over the games he's played this season.
"It's still early days for Jack - he hasn't had a period where his form's plateaued and that can happen to a young 'keeper. But I just think his manner is very calm and those periods will be few and far between."
Butland was the target of a coin thrown from the stands during Saturday's win over Aston Villa, and Hughes said: "I think the referee was reporting it, I don't know if he has officially, but truth is I haven't had an update.
"Some idiot has seen that it has happened before and thought it would be funny to do it here. Unfortunately there are people out there who take pleasure and amusement from hurting other individuals. It's a sad state of affairs."
Newcastle go to Stoke in the bottom three despite a significant outlay on new players in the past two windows.
Hughes said: "When you remind yourself of the playing staff they have and the quality - they have invested heavily too - you would expect them to be doing better. They are an accomplished group of players, but to be fair to Steve McClaren injuries have hampered them.
"It always seems a difficult job for anybody up at Newcastle. From the outside looking in, seeing their stadium and the fan-base you would have to say that it is one of the biggest jobs in the Premier League. There always seems to be something happening up there though, and it never appears calm and settled."
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10187650/jack-butland-set-for-new-stoke-deal-mark-hughes-says
