Get to know more about striker Jay Stansfield, who discusses dealing with injury and future objectives.
DOB: 24.11.2002
Place of Birth: Exeter, England
Position: Striker
Height: 171cm
Weight: 68kg
Boots: Nike
How would you describe yourself as a player?
I like being in and around the box and ultimately scoring goals. I like to also create assists and help my teammates, but that extends to off the pitch too. For example, I enjoy helping people around the training ground and doing stuff for the local community.
You missed the majority of the season due to injury. How did you cope with being away from the pitch for so long?
I found it difficult. When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you think about is going to train and doing what you love out on the pitch. When you’re injured, it obviously takes that feeling away and sometimes you might get up and dread more gym work and recovery.
Once the injury gets solved, in my case through an operation, you need to start getting motivated for your return. 14 weeks all of a sudden turns into 13, then 10 and so on. I was really looking forward to getting back out there.
My family and the people at the club helped me keep going. I still stayed behind in the gym and did extra bits when I needed to. I always watched the team on a gameday because it’s important to stay involved in a different way. Instead of scoring goals, you’re helping to motivate the boys from the sidelines.
You scored a handful of goals for the Under-18s since your return and recently moved up to the Under-23s. Are you pleased with your progress since your recovery?
It was a hard injury to come back from because I set such high standards last season in relation to the number of goals I scored, which helped me make a First Team appearance. It was always going to be difficult coming back.
What are your objectives for the next year?
I’m slowly pushing towards the Under-23s and then hopefully we’ll see where I’m at for pre-season. Maybe I can grab a couple of appearances for the First Team here and there. I just take it day by day really and if next year I’m with the senior guys then happy days.
Quickfire Questions:
Favourite TV Programme: Match of the Day
Footballing Hero: Harry Kane
Favourite Other Sport: Athletics
Favourite Food: Homemade Cottage Pie
Favourite Musician: Lil Tjay
Personal Ambition: To win a World Cup
Huw Jennings, Academy Director:
“Jay has had classically contrasting experiences in his two seasons with us. Pre-pandemic, he couldn’t stop scoring, then almost immediately after returning he had a serious leg injury which kept him out of action for 6 months."
