Injury update on Jay Stansfield after being stretchered off in Birmingham’s win over Bradford

An injury update has emerged on Jay Stansfield after being stretchered off in Birmingham’s late 2-1 win over Bradford City in the EFL Trophy.

Blues boss Chris Davies spoke following his side’s progression through to the Vertu Trophy final, Birmingham’s first Wembley appearance in 14 years.

They survived a second-half scare against League Two Bradford City before Lyndon Dykes came off the bench as with a late header won a dramatic semi-final.

Jay Stansfield, scored his 21st goal of the season on the verge of half time, but ended up being taken to hospital after being stretchered off with a knee injury.

The visitors got an equaliser on 52 minutes with boyhood Bradford fan Bobby Pointon scoring from close range in the same passage of play in which Stansfield was denied a penalty after being barged over, but suffered his injury with concern to the extend of his injury.

The twice EFL Trophy winners are heading to Wembley on the 13th of April, taking on the winners of next week’s second semi-final between fellow League One sides Wrexham and Peterborough United.

Jay Stansfield being stretchered off for Birmingham after falling awkwardly under a challenge from Bradford’s Romoney Crichlow. Doesn’t look good at all. #BCFC pic.twitter.com/R3mBer3lAy

— Charlie Haffenden (@JournoHaff) February 18, 2025

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies told BBC Sport:

“It was a great cross from Tomoki Iwata, a great header from Lyndon Dykes and a great moment. It’s got us to Wembley.

“It was a penalty, I didn’t have to see it again, and for them to break away and score just added insult to injury.

“Jay Stansfield has gone to hospital. It’s his knee. He’s landed on him and he was in a lot of pain. We must just wait and see – and hope for the best.

“We’ve still got one more step to go to win it, but for me to be able to lead out a team at Wembley is something special.”

On Stansfield, per Birmingham Mail: “It was above his knee. It was a bad fall and the player has landed on him. He’s gone to hospital for checks. To get stretchered off and be in that amount of pain is obviously a huge concern.

“I think it was the impact of the leg. It’s the severity of that impact. That’s what they’re concerned about. The guy has landed on the bone so that’s the concern. He was in a lot of pain and he’s gone off to the hospital, they’re hoping within the next few hours they are going to get the results that are more definitive.”

Club statement:

The club wish to provide the following update on the condition of Jay Stansfield. The Blues striker was stretchered off an hour into Tuesday night’s Vertu Trophy victory over Bradford City. Stansfield was taken to a local hospital where scans have since revealed no indication of bone or ligament damage to the affected area. The 22-year-old will continue to be assessed by the club’s medical staff in the coming days.

Lots of concern for Jay Stansfield who has gone to hospital for tests. The impact of the defender landing on Stansfield’s leg is what is believed to have caused the pain. https://t.co/4yytQcQJMK

— Alex Dicken (@alexedicken) February 18, 2025

Birmingham’s Lyndon Dykes:

“We haven’t won anything yet, but to get to Wembley is great – and the boss has given us two days off too.

“I played there for Scotland against England during Covid, but it will be nice to be there in front of a crowd.”

Bradford City boss Graham Alexander told BBC Radio Leeds:

“We’ve gone toe to toe with them. I can’t remember Sam Walker making any saves before their first goal, which was a sucker punch just before the break.

“But I reminded the lads at half-time of some of the discipline that we had put into the first half and felt that we had maybe been a bit cheap on the ball and could be better.

“And, in the second half, we showed that. We scored the goal of the night for me And then they brought an international class striker and he’s got the winner.

“They stuck their chests out and represented the club in the best way. There are bigger things ahead for this side if they carry on the path they’re on.”

Fans reacted amid an injury update on Jay Stansfield after being stretchered off in Birmingham’s win over Bradford…

@smith_naj: It’s so mad seeing 22 year old Jay Stansfield rattling other fan bases 😂 #BCFC

@blackladtravel: Jay Stansfield gets stretchered off, and instead of concern, people are laughing and hating. As they say the better you do, the more they want to see you fall 🙂‍↕️ #kro #efl

@ronaldobcfc: Seen lots of fans saying there glad Jay Stansfield is injured, well I got news for ya, we could put Lisa Stansfield up front, and we still beat ya, bitter c*nts #BCFC

@positivelywwfc: I hope that Jay Stansfield’s injury isn’t a bad one. I’m looking forward to our game with @BCFC . I personally hate seeing any player out injured and with @richardkone17 close to a return it would be great to see them both out there trying to secure the golden boot.

@craigyjones17: Only just seen that Jay Stansfield is in hospital after getting stretchered off for Birmingham. Fans of other clubs celebrating like it’s the highlight of their night 🤦🏻‍♂️ I know people can say what they like, but that’s not for me tbh.

@justAnumber1458: Well said. If you celebrate players being injured then your not really a fan of the game, your an immature prick. Hope we get your lot in the final BTW.

@neilcurtis1969: Hopefully it’s not to bad, we’ll see, bang in form he was as well, starting to motor

@kaigoughy2: People forget he’s a 22 year old young adult because of his price tag. Hes been open to saying that he sees what is written online too. Hopefully he takes what’s being said as a compliment as all the celebrations are because no fucker wants to have to defend against him

@rogers01_tony: Some folk lead such sad and bitter lives, Craig.

@bcfccooper: I’ve seen a boat load of cretins wishing his career is over and all sorts! You don’t have to like the player and your certainly within rights to give the player stick and banter but to wish his career to be ended and other nonsense is bang out of order!

@BluenoseSypher: Standard of refereeing that we have been seeing in this league (and equivalent trophy comp) is shocking. Blatant penalty and hope Stanno is ok 🤞🏻

@KDazman: Get well soon Jay. Terrible attitude from the Bradford keeper, to ignore JS pain. 😡

@Covbluenose: Best wishes to Jay. Fortunately that poor refereeing decision ultimately had no effect on the result though it could have of course!

@kierandavi44: Quotes on this are weird as fuck. 22 year old with a suspected broken leg. Get a grip 👍

@beaublue07: Really hope Stanno is okay & it’s just heavy bruising at worst! If it’s anything else, we’ve lost him for the rest of the season & after his contribution so far…. It would be so unfair to lose him. 💙🤍

@PaulSmi71851275: The officials are the problem in these lower leagues, you can commit these fouls and get away with them, that’s why we see them so often.

@JohTaylor1: The ref was well placed and had a good view, the defender went thru Jay for shortcut and his momentum caused him to fall on Stanno. Can someone explain to me how it’s not a penalty, any refs ……??