Exeter's trophy run paints an endearing picture of Adam

If there’s one regret Exeter City fans might have ahead of their area final second leg against Brentford, it’s that their favourite number nine won’t be there to play his part.

February 2011

Through the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy however, thoughts of Adam Stansfield have never been closer to the club and its fans, who think fate might be playing a part in the Grecians’ memorable journey through the competition.

The hugely popular striker passed away in August 2010 from cancer, just days before the start of the season and the trophy first round draw.

When Soccer AM turned the cards over for the southern section, Exeter City were drawn against Yeovil Town – Stansfield’s first professional club.

As if by fate, the second round draw then paired Exeter with Hereford United, Stansfield’s second and penultimate club, before playing out his career at St James’s Park.

If Paul Tisdale’s men do go all the way by beating Brentford in their area final second leg, some supporters will say it was written in the stars from day one.

Andy Cole, lifelong fan and friend of Adam, has helped to set-up the Adam Stansfield Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of men’s health and promote youth football across Devon.

He said that as soon as the first round draw was made, he knew that the competition was doing far more than what is says on the paint tin.

“When the first round draw was made, we thought Adam was looking down on us.

“When we then got paired against Hereford, we thought it was bizarre as the trophy had pulled Adam’s three clubs together.

“We want to rename it the ‘Adam Stansfield Trophy’ now!

“The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has given us a platform to celebrate the life of a player that we all loved so much. To go to Yeovil Town was a bit surreal and was an emotional occasion for everyone at Huish Park.”

Andy is chairman of the Adam Stansfield Foundation, which also boasts Premier League referee Mark Halsey as a patron.

The Exeter City number nine was a family man with three young boys, making the aim of the foundation two-fold; to support grass roots youth football in the area and to also educate men about the importance of regular health and screening tests.

Andy added: “There has already been an increase in young men in the area getting checked out with their doctors, so there is a greater awareness around the issue.

“If one life is saved by visiting the foundation, then it has made it worthwhile.”

For more information about the Adam Stansfield Foundation, visit the adamstansfieldfoundation.com/

Adam Stansfield will be sure to be looking down on St James’s Park again on Monday February 7 (7.45pm kick off) when Exeter City entertain Brentford in the all important area final second leg.

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.