Crossword Genius

Reportedly unadventurous defender didn't venture forward (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stayed back

'didn't venture forward' is the definition.
(staying back rather than going forward)

'reportedly unadventurous defender' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'unadventurous' becomes 'staid' (I've seen this in another clue).
'defender' becomes 'back' (I've seen this before).
'staid' sounds like 'stayed'.
'stayed'+'back'='STAYED BACK'

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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