Fulham youngster Jay Stansfield has signed his first professional contract with the club – the news was confirmed via their official website on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old joined the Cottagers from Exeter City in the summer and has been a standout player in the clubs Under-18s side, therefore, the club were keen to tie him down.
Stansfield has played 11 times in the U18 Premier League, scoring an incredible 18 goals so far. His impressive displays then earned him a call up to the Under-23s for whom he scored his first goal shortly after coming off of the substitutes’ bench versus West Ham United. Despite being so young, the centre-forward has already made his Championship debut for Scott Parker’s side although it was just a brief cameo during the 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic last month.
Is Jay Stansfield ready to feature for the first-team regularly?
Yes
No
Here’s how the fans have reacted to the news regarding their starlet.
Im a big fan of this lad. Lets get him some minutes in the champ. And not the last 3 mins of a game like Charlton away a few weeks ago ????
— Pint Sized Fulham #Hammyenderuption?????? (@lungs77) February 6, 2020
He slowly growing on me #coyw
— NickC (@poorandclean) February 5, 2020
Well deserved Jay ! Exciting times ahead.
— Dave (@doydoy64) February 5, 2020
Brilliant news. Now give him some play time at Blackburn. Cav signed contract and scored, bobby signed contract and scored jay signed contract and ?????
— Ben (@BenHolloway79) February 5, 2020
Congratulations Jay! ? ?
— Barnaby and Chris (@AmbroseBarnaby) February 5, 2020
love to see it
— my ft account COYW (@FulhamFCNews1) February 5, 2020
What do we think?
Given the promise shown by Stansfield at the various youth levels, you can understand why the club were eager to get him signed on a professional contract. It’s a step in the right direction for both the player and the club, and the fans will be hoping he can continue his excellent goalscoring form at a higher level.