Well, the deal has happened that perhaps most of us were fearing. Barnsley and England U19 right-back John Stones has moved to Everton for an undisclosed fee (believed to be in the region of £3m) on a five-and-a-half-year deal.
Despite only making 24 appearances for the Reds, 'he's one of our own' and I'm sure we've only seen a teasing glance of the ability that this player has and are eager to watch him continue to develop. Everton supporters should be equally excited.
What is refreshing to see is that unlike some of the moves you see in this transfer window, this deal is deserved, it has been achieved through the lads very own hard work, honesty and talent. Let's not forget he had his pick of clubs. Thankfully it's not the by-product of a greedy football agent - generating his own commission pay cheque.
Congratulations Stonesy, we wish you every success in your further career. There will always be a warm welcome for you On The Ponty End, and if you ever need a few games under your belt during your development - I hope we have the first dabs on welcoming you back home to Tarn!
The first picture of John Stones as an Everton player. Welcome to the Club! #EFC #COYB twitter.com/Everton/status…
— Official Everton (@Everton) January 31, 2013
Reaction from Twitter:
Buzzin for stonesy. What a move. Well deserved......his round in rios on sat! #playa
— Jim O'Brien (@theboyobrien) January 31, 2013
All the very best to Stonesy. Great player and even better lad #premiership #goodthingsdohappentogoodpeople
— Stephen Foster (@foz_06) January 31, 2013
The general consensus from #BarnsleyFC fans is that we're all chuffed to bits for Stonesy! Dead proud and pleased for him! #BarnsleyLad
— Dean Hanwell (@deanored85) January 31, 2013
congrats to stonesy!! gonna miss him around club! what a opportunity!! good luck to him deserves nothing but the best!! #baller #toplad
— McCauley Shillito (@McCauleyJShill) January 31, 2013
I'm glad Stonesy chose Everton. This boy is the future. Proud we've helped to produce such talent. #barnsleyfc
— Paul Hicks (@H1cksy) January 31, 2013
Stonesy is definitely going to work under one if the best managers in premier league IMO #BarnsleyFC #stones
— Scott Tolan (@ScottTolan1) January 31, 2013