EXCLUSIVE: Jay Stansfield refuses to close door on Birmingham City as Fulham awaits his return, says Blues will always have a place in his heart

Jay Stansfield had a moment of realization at Birmingham City’s end-of-season event, as he clinched his fifth award, completing a clean sweep.

The young lad has decided to hold on to the love and support he got from his teammates and supporters all through his time with the Blues and while he returns to Fulham, he says Birmingham City will always have a place in his heart.

However, the reality of relegation to League One meant he had to bid farewell to the club. Reflecting on his time at Birmingham, Stansfield expressed his sadness at leaving, especially after feeling the support of his teammates and fans.

Despite signing up for just a season’s loan, he cherished every moment and valued the lessons learned. Throughout the season marked by disappointments, Stansfield’s determination and contributions offered Blues fans a glimmer of hope amidst relegation fears.

As relegation loomed closer, no one felt the sting more than Stansfield, who had given himself to the club and its supporters in a way few loan players do.

“Going up there and knowing my teammates have voted for me, and the supporters, I just felt sad to be leaving,” said Stansfield. “It’s one of those things, I signed up for a season’s loan and I’ve loved every minute and learnt a lot.”

“I think I’ve just built up such a relationship with the fans and the club that I wanted to give my all in every game,” he commented.

“We came up short in the end and everyone around the club is feeling hurt. I think the club will be back where it belongs very soon. Hopefully next season they can push on.”

A spectacular debut strike against Plymouth – Blues’ goal of the season – made Stansfield an instant hit but 12 more goals followed. He scored a goal under five different managers last season.

“The goal early on helped,” added Stansfield. “I earned my respect on the first day and could show everyone why I chose Birmingham. Being around the city and seeing the fans, and seeing how welcoming and hard-working everybody is, there are amazing people everywhere round here.”

Blues almost certainly would have tried to lure Stansfield back to St Andrew’s had they remained in the Championship. Who knows, maybe Stansfield has a place in the bright future that Tom Wagner and Knighthead are forecasting.

“We’ll see what happens,” he said. “I’m heading back to Fulham and I’m going to try my best there. That’s my team at the moment and I need to take everything I’ve learned from here and go there. Blues will always have a place in my heart.”