As posted earlier the ideal set-up is get a credible replacement in situ now and Stevie could give him the best coaching available, whether FSG look after our long term interests, not their bullshit interpretation btw is anyone's guess.
Handled properly Stevie could only be an asset to the club both now and when his playing days are over - there's that interpretation of the longer term thing again.
Couldn't agree more Stuey, and I think his replacement is already waiting in the wings, Jordan Rossiter, the lad is imho at least 2 years ahead in maturity and if used intelligently could fit right in, I can hear all the know all's saying he's too young and the usual negativity, but, this lad is special, he has it all, except he's still growing, if Brendan can use him in the cup games and get him used to that level, he can be eased into the league games a bit at a time, he's still developing so we can't just throw him to the lions,
with the right nurturing, he can be developed into a ready made top class midfielder, much in the same mould as Stevie, he's not a Stevie G '2', he's a Jordan Rossiter '1', there can never be another Stevie G, like a Luis Suarez, they broke the mould when he was born, two unique world class players, and imo, Jordan Rossiter has the world at his feet, he can be world class too, he's 17 yrs old, Stevie was 18 when he made his debut, Stevie has most probably got perhaps 1 good year left in him, it's an ideal situation, introduce young Jordan, under Stevie's tutelage, for the rest of this season and all of next, and then, when he's ready, unleash him,
There are many on these boards, for whatever reason choose not to keep a eye on our ressies, under 18's etc, let me say this, there are quite a few young lads who most definitely have the potential to step up, Jordan Rossiter is just one of those, go check them out, Reddebs is the champion scout, I bet she could name a few of them who are star material.
YNWA