"I can't believe it, I'm still trying to get my head around what has happened," said Thommo.
"I am delighted Steven is staying, I was speaking to him four or five days before pre-season training and there was no happier lad on Merseyside. He wanted to get a deal done, but he was a little concerned it was not done quicker. But it was only a side issue.
"He was absolutely delighted and looking forward to the start of the season.
"I don't know what happened in between, I wonder if anything was going on behind the scenes with an agent or something. I was absolutely gobsmacked on Sunday.
"Then it all happened on Monday. There seemed to be unbelievable events going on. His mind must have been all over the place, and it needed a step back and that's what the parties have done.
"But this cannot keep happening every 12 months, it does not do anyone any good. It needs to be nailed down once and for all."