Saints Captain Eulogizes “Brilliant” Loan Signing.
SAINTS captain Jack Stephens praised loanee David Brooks, calling him “a brilliant guy,” as the Welshman prepares to return to AFC Bournemouth.
Brooks, 26, contributed to St Mary’s promotion back to the Premier League with 20 appearances since joining in January.
The winger was substituted after just 35 minutes in last week’s play-off final at Wembley, where the team secured a 1-0 win over Leeds United.
Brooks dislocated his shoulder and couldn’t continue playing, though Adam Armstrong had already scored the winning goal.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola plans to reassess Brooks during pre-season at Vitality Stadium.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Stephens acknowledged Brooks’s impact, saying: “I love Brooksy, I love him.”
“I met him at Bournemouth last season, and he’s an outstanding person. He’s a fantastic individual, without a doubt.
“He’s a brilliant guy. Overcoming what he has and returning to play football is an incredible story on its own. But to come back and perform at the level he is, is truly amazing. I’m so proud of him.
“I was devastated for him at Wembley, seeing him break down in tears in the first half was tough to witness.
“However, I’m thrilled we completed the task because we can all celebrate together, and that’s what we will do.”
Brooks missed almost two years of football due to illness and injury from October 2021, when he was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.
The former Manchester City and Sheffield United player spoke to the Daily Echo at Wembley, saying: “I tried to push through.
I was gutted to leave the pitch. It is what it is. This was Sam Edozie’s day because I replaced Che Adams last week.
“Having been out for about two years, you have to drag me off. I was determined to stay on, but it wasn’t possible.”
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