Twentyman Talks Back - 12 August 2010

By Geoff Twentyman
BBC Bristol

Adam Stansfield died this week at the age of 31

I have met hundreds, possibly thousands of sports men and women over the years. Some you remember, some you don't.

I first met Adam Stansfield back in 2001. The striker had been banging in goals in the then Screwfix League and had been snapped up by Yeovil who were further up the football pyramid.

The 23-year-old made a real impression on me. To be candid I am not sure why. Maybe it was his warm, starry eyed smile. Perhaps it was his impeccable manners. It could well have been his genuine modesty. There again it could have been because he was a nervous wreck.

He was certainly not a natural interviewee but he was a thoroughly likeable young man. He was obviously more at home banging in the goals with his trusty left foot.

He was overtly nervous at the prospect of having a television camera in his face and a microphone thrust under his nose. This was clearly a new experience

"What are you going to ask me?" he inquired in advance. My usual retort of, "I don't know yet, I haven't thought about it" failed to have the desired relaxing effect.

It was a relatively short chat. This was clearly a young man who was desperate to do well at his new club, excited by the step he had made. His desire to succeed together with his perfect manners and modesty ensured I followed his ups and downs with interest albeit from a distance.

This week I was deeply shocked when I heard of his death. His passing puts life into a sharp perspective

Geoff Twentyman, BBC Bristol

An undulating career evolved. The highlights included a few promotions and scoring in a FA Trophy final victory. The lows included a broken leg, being released and a move back into non-league football.

He always clearly a fighter and came back for more on several occasions.

News of his illness earlier this year was shocking. Even though he was fighting cancer, I must admit I assumed he was on the road to recovery after having surgery.

This week I was deeply shocked when I heard of his death. His passing puts life into a sharp perspective. I immediately thought of the young guy I interviewed nine years ago. Life can be painfully unfair.

I was certainly pleased I met and knew Adam Stansfield, he was a talented footballer and a fine young man.

Geoff Twentyman presents the Twentyman Talks Back football phone-in at 1900 GMT on Fridays on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Somerset. If you missed the latest programme you can listen to it by clickinghere.