Jay Stansfield was delighted that Fulham’s all-conquering under-23s sealed both promotion from the Premier League 2 Division 2 and the league title with victory over Aston Villa last night – but the young striker is already focused on the next challenge.
The Tiverton-born talent has enjoyed an exceptional first three years at Fulham, winning back-to-back under 18s southern titles before earning promotion with the under 23s as the young Whites clinched the title with five games to spare. The 19 year-old told FFCTV last night:
“It’s good. A lot of us boys have obviously been here through the whole scholar [programme]. We won two titles last year and the year before. To win this one and be able to go up and play against bigger and better teams will be the next challenge for us.
We’ve just going to enjoy the games now. We’re still going to be professional and try and get as many wins as possible and then it comes to the last game of the season at Craven Cottage and we can lift the trophy, that’s when we can celebrate and enjoy the experience.”
Stansfield, who has battled back from injuries this term to score five goals in nine matches and added two assists when deployed in a new number ten role, praised the impact of head coach Steve Wigley, who was promoted to under 23 coach earlier this season after years in charge of the under 18 squad.
“So much. The attitude that he brings to the team, the work rate. Some teams can’t handle it. Tonight they’ve done quite well playing out – but we’ve still outworked them and that’s what got us the result.”
