‘it’s so special to wear my dad’s old no9 shirt’
JAY PAYING HIS TRIBUTE
AMONG football’s adventures of father and son, it is the most beautiful tale of them all.
Nothing could be a more compelling tribute to tragic Exeter striker Adam Stansfield, who died from bowel cancer 12 years ago, than son Jay accepting the torch to bring his dad’s No.9 shirt out of retirement at St James Park.
So far, Jay’s loan move from Fulham has yielded four goals and three assists.
Everything about the way Exeter have honoured the memory of Stansfield has been tasteful and judicious.
But the 19-year-old who came home to provide his own eulogy on the pitch is a story to celebrate from here to paternity.
When news broke of the loan deal bringing him back to the club where he was playing in the academy when his father passed away, the excitement went viral.
“I’m not going to lie – I did hesitate,” said Jay. “The name has been here before, the fans were still singing about him every game. It would have been easy to let my heart rule my head. But when I came on for my debut [against MK Dons], it was a special moment for everyone, I’ll never forget it.
“For people who used to watch my dad, to see the No.9 shirt back on the pitch was a big thing.
“It was special for me to wear his old shirt, look up and see a stand named after him.
“At first it was quite a weird feeling but, deep down, I just wanted to keep sharing my love for the club after everything they have done to honour his name.
“I wanted to come down here and be myself and not live in his shadow. Wherever I go, and whatever the shirt number, I’m always going to have ‘Stansfield’ on my back, so there was always going to be pressure following in his footsteps.
“To take the No.9 was a privilege, not a burden.
“I can’t describe the feeling when I scored my first goals, away at Barnsley.
“The pain of losing your father at eight never leaves you.”
Next week the EFL celebrate their Youth Development Week, a showcase for homegrown talent.
Last season 209 players were handed a debut by clubs where they came through the academy, and 81 percent of players on teamsheets were home-grown.
Stansfield’s return to Exeter is a timely reminder that talent begins at home.