The opening fixture of the 2015/16 calendar – which sees Yeovil Town travel to Exeter City on Saturday 8th August – will allow supporters of both clubs to commemorate the life of Adam Stansfield, with a minute’s applause in both the 7th and 9th minutes of the game.
Stansfield is remembered fondly at Huish Park for his exploits wearing the number 7 shirt – and at Exeter City, the number 9 shirt is still retired in his honour after his untimely death during his time at St James Park.
The fixture falls two days before the fifth anniversary of Adam’s death. After a battle with bowel cancer, he passed away on August 10th 2010 at the age of 31.
During his playing career Adam represented both the Glovers and the Grecians. After impressing at Elmore, he was brought in at Huish Park in 2001 and spent three seasons in the green and white hoops of Yeovil.
Then after two seasons with Hereford, Stanno returned to the Westcountry to join the Grecians in 2006. He was diagnosed with cancer towards the end of his fourth season, and passed away at the age of 31.
Stanno was universally popular at all of his clubs for his commitment, character, energy and work-rate. The fifth anniversary of his death, with Yeovil supporters in the away end at St James Park, will offer a fitting opportunity for supporters of both clubs to pay tribute to the life of the Glovers’ number 7 and the Grecians’ number 9.
Glovers Chairman, John Fry said "This is a wonderful gesture by Julian Tagg (Exeter City chairman), Grecian supporters and everyone at Exeter City.
"It will also provide our fans the opportunity to remember Adam Stansfield near the fifth anniversary of his untimely death and pay tribute to a great servant of our club.
"Adam will never be forgotten by Town fans who had the pleasure of seeing him play. Our opening fixture of the 2015/2016 season against Exeter City is going to be a very emotional occasion for both Exeter and Yeovil supporters.
"To Adam it was all about the jersey, the badge of honour, the history, the club, his teammates and the fans. Only a moment he stayed, but what an imprint his short time at Huish Park left on our memories and in our hearts."
Exeter City chairman Julian Tagg said: “Everyone involved in Exeter City is still deeply saddened by Adam’s death, and no amount of time will change that. But the anniversary of his passing gives us the opportunity to remember him and celebrate his life, and share memories of one of our most-loved players.
“It is particularly poignant that we should be playing Yeovil on the opening day – I am sure the Glovers supporters will also turn out in their numbers to pay tribute to their number 7. We look forward to welcoming our rivals to St James Park in the spirit of friendship, and to paying our warmest respects to Adam together on that day.”
