Stansfield signed for the Grecians from Hereford in June 2006

Exeter City striker Adam Stansfield has been diagnosed with bowel cancer following a series of tests for an abdominal complaint.

The 31-year-old, who joined City in June 2006, was admitted to hospital for tests at the end of March.

"It's bad, bad news," Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale told BBC Spotlight. "There's little good on this subject.

"Adam's a gritty character on the field and is the same off it and he's building himself up for the challenge."

He said: "It's a word, cancer, that people are scared of. We don't like saying it but you've got to tell the truth, you've got to say what it is.

"We're fully behind him and he's got a lot of friends here."

Stansfield, who has also played for Yeovil and Hereford, scored seven goals in 19 appearances for the Grecians in League One this term.

And Tisdale believes his experience as a professional footballer will stand him in good stead for what lies ahead.

"A career in sport does enable you to deal with stressful moments and challenges," he said.

"Nothing quite like what he's about to go through, but if there's someone who can deal with it and meet it head on with real purpose, Adam's the man.

"He's given so much effort to this club in recent years and I see no reason why he can't continue to do that in due course."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version