Francis Benali didn't hold back on Stewart's exit. Loyalty cuts both ways, and he made that crystal clear.
Benali has seen plenty during his time at Southampton. Few people understand the values this club is supposed to stand for better than he does.
So when he wrote that Ross Stewart's departure left him feeling there is no loyalty in football these days, it carried more weight than from most pundits.
A striker the club stood by
Stewart joined Southampton from Sunderland in 2023 and made 50 appearances, scoring 12 times, 11 of them this season in 33 appearances as Southampton finished fourth and beat Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final 'that never was' before being booted out of the competition.
Three injury-hit seasons. Long spells out. And yet Southampton kept faith with him. Benali pointed out that when Stewart returned to fitness, he repaid that faith in part, helping the club reach both the play-off final and the FA Cup semi-final.
But Southampton's faith in him deserved far more than that.
The contract situation
Southampton owner Dragan Solak told the Daily Echo that the club's expulsion from the play-offs meant they missed the expiry window on Stewart's contract extension clause, which had to be triggered within five days of the season's final game.
Solak said Southampton immediately sent notice of the extension once they knew there would be no further game, but Stewart's lawyers disagreed with the club's position on timing. "Ultimately, it's on Ross and his team to basically decide whether they want to stay or not. In my opinion, nobody would be better for Ross than us," Solak said.
That is the technical side. Benali's column reflects how it feels from the terraces.
Good luck, but the door is open
Benali was careful with his words but left no doubt about his stance. Good luck to anyone who doesn't want to be at Saints, whoever they are. He said he is happy to see them go.
Joe Tessem, speaking on BBC Radio Solent, offered a more sympathetic view of the situation, suggesting Southampton should have triggered the clause earlier, regardless of spygate. He acknowledged Stewart's quality but questioned his long-term fitness, calling it a genuine dilemma either way.
Stewart scored 11 goals this season and was central to a remarkable run of form. He also earned his third Scotland cap as Steve Clarke's side prepare for the World Cup.
Southampton stood by him through injury. Whether the contract chaos was Southampton's fault, spygate's fault, or simply circumstance, the outcome is the same. A player who was central to this season's story will not be part of the next one.
Benali's message was simple. Anyone who wants to be here is welcome. Anyone who doesn't, isn't missed for long.
Off you go, Lochness Drogba!
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