Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has heaped praise on forward Jay Stansfield following his standout performance in the Blues’ 2-0 victory over Exeter City.
Stansfield, who found the back of the net in the win, was instrumental in securing three points for Birmingham, alongside Tomoki Iwata, who also scored.
An Emotional Return to St James Park
The match held special significance for Stansfield, as his late father, Adam, was a former player for Exeter City. Despite the emotional backdrop, the 22-year-old delivered a composed and clinical performance, something his manager highlighted post-match.
“I don’t think there’s many people in the world that probably know exactly how Jay feels right now or felt on that pitch,” Davies told BirminghamLive. “Credit to him, he didn’t let it affect him at all. He gave a really diligent performance, showed his quality, and scored a goal. I’m sure his family would be very proud of him.”
Davies added that Stansfield approached the game with the right mindset, describing him as focused and determined. “When that penalty gets given, you can see his eyes light up because he sees there’s another goal for him,” the manager noted.
Stansfield’s Impact at Birmingham
Stansfield has been a revelation for Birmingham City this season, scoring nine goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. Returning to the Midlands club after an impressive loan spell last season, his signing raised eyebrows, but he has quickly justified the move with his consistent performances.
Having risen through the academy at Exeter City, Stansfield made his professional debut with Fulham, where he managed two goals in 10 senior appearances. A loan stint back at Exeter helped him gain experience before his first spell with Birmingham City. Last season, he scored 13 goals in 47 games, a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign that saw the Blues relegated from the Championship.
What’s Next for Birmingham?
Birmingham City’s victory over Exeter marks a crucial response after their recent 3-2 loss to Shrewsbury Town. The Blues will now turn their attention to the FA Cup, with an away fixture against Blackpool in the second round this weekend.
Writer’s View
Jay Stansfield’s ability to perform under the emotional weight of returning to Exeter speaks volumes about his character and quality. His rapid rise at Birmingham City has been vital to their attacking success this season. As the Blues seek to regain their footing, Stansfield’s continued form will be central to their push for promotion and cup progression.
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