Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has confirmed that fan favourite Jay Stansfield, who was on loan from Fulham last season, will not be returning to the club this year, according to Devon Live.
Stansfield would become somewhat of a cult hero during his loan spell with the Grecians last season, scoring nine goals and supplying seven assists in 36 League One appearances.
The-20-year-old would follow in his late father’s footsteps by playing for his boyhood club and signed off his loan spell on the highest possible note, scoring a hat-trick in Exeter’s final day 3-2 victory over Morecambe. It was very much an emotional day at St James Park, with Stansfield really proving his quality at a ground that his father had done so many times before.
His loan move from Fulham last season worked out incredibly well in terms of his career progression, but also giving the young striker the opportunity to play for his boyhood club in a ground which one of the stands is named after his Dad, Adam Stansfield.
Although Exeter have been very keen to try and re-gain the 20-year-old’s services for the upcoming season, those ambitions were highly unlikely. Stansfield most recently appeared on Fulham’s bench for their first game of the Premier League season, and although was an unused substitute, he’ll be expecting to get his chance soon.
It is still unknown whether the forward will stay at Craven Cottage as part of the first team this year, or if a loan move to the Championship could be on the cards. There’s one thing for certain, and that is that he will not be playing in League One again this season, which although will come as somewhat of a blow to Exeter fans, it shows just how highly thought of Stansfield is.
Although it looks highly unlikely that Stansfield will return to St James Park, there will not be a new number nine wearing the shirt, with the number going back into retirement in honour of Adam Stansfield. The shirt had been retired prior to Jay Stansfield’s signing, however the youngster would wear the number nine in his dad’s honour and the number now has even more history to it.
What’s been said?
Speaking on the number nine shirt and a possible return for Stansfield, Grecians manager Gary Caldwell said:
“That number nine is a special number for me. It was Adam Stansfield’s number and Jay wore it with pride and did some tremendous things in it last season and that shirt is always there for a Stansfield if he wants to use it.”
“I don’t think so. I have spoken to him a few times and we have text back and forth, but I don’t think it will happen but we won’t use it for any other player.”
Writer’s view
Jay Stansfield showcased his talents on loan for Exeter last season and the sky really is the limit. As much as he is adored at St James Park, another loan move looks highly unlikely as he looks to continue the progression of his career. He’ll no doubt go onto bigger and better things but it has to be said, Exeter really gave Stansfield the opportunity as well as backing to show his quality.
