Chris Davies has described the ‘Pensfield’ jibes directed at Jay Stansfield as ‘ridiculous’.
The manager said that Blues record signing is an accomplished finisher not just from 12 yards but beyond, and on the way to becoming a ‘top player’.
Peculiarly Stansfield has come in for more than his fair share of stick from opposition fans, not least last season when his stunning £12 million transfer deadline day move from Fulham made the football world sit up and take notice.
The price tag made him a popular target and the proliferation of penalties that Stansfield has tucked away – he scored nine out of 10 taken for Blues before the Blackburn Rovers win – was strange vindication for some that most of his goals come this way.
That, of course, isn’t the case and not only ignores the fact that Blues are awarded more penalties than most because they are a more ball-dominant side now and make plenty of 18-yard box entries.
But it reeks of jealousy and also fear of the marksman.
Stansfield himself has even played up to the moniker, referencing it in a Blues+ interview after the Blackburn victory.
Davies was genuinely staggered when the issue was raised with him.
“So is the reference saying that he only scores penalties?
“Well, I could tell you Charlton, Barnsley, when he smashed balls in from 20 yards. I mean, he scored the goal against Sheffield United the last week. That was not a penalty. He twisted and shot, a very good piece of skill.
“So that’s a ridiculous, ridiculous line. He can take penalties, definitely, really well. And that was a top penalty (at Blackburn). But no, no, he’s a good goalscorer.”
Stansfield’s habit of netting big goals for Blues and his coolness under pressure from the spot is a positive trait, too.
“Every penalty’s under pressure but I mean, that one was last minute, away from home, in front of 7,000 away fans, with us losing,” said Davies.
“What I’m pretty big on is that it’s a skill, you know? People say penalties are luck; penalties are a skill.
“I think if you think that they’re luck, you’ve got more chance of missing. Penalties are a technical skill where you’ve got you and the goalkeeper, you’ve got strike the ball well – and you’ll score.
“And to do what he did (at Blackburn) by putting the ball on the ‘keeper’s side – he dived so well and got a good arm out – bending away and it’s gone in the sidenetting, that’s as good a penalty as you’ll see.”
Davies said that Stansfield would practice penalties to get his routine and technique honed.
“Jay goes off and does it a lot himself. If we’re playing in cup competitions, I’ll do some with the boys, just in case it goes to penalties.
“You do get some real specialists. The one where the taker runs up and stops and delays it, that’s a skill, that’s a real skill and to do it under pressure as well.
“There’s a lot of research out there around penalties and the fact that for so long it’s been sort of considered a bit of a toss of a coin, hoping that you can score.
“But I think of it more as something you can really execute well and then you will score from it, which is a better approach for a player. You’ve got the whole goal to aim at and you’ve got to hit it firm into the right spot; you do that and it’s really difficult for the ‘keepers.”
Davies said that Stansfield has matured into a leader for Blues, as he nears a year at the club on a permanent basis, and is in excellent shape.
“He did have a strange summer in the sense that he played in the Euros (Under-21s European Championship) and was a key player for England winning that. He had a very, very short break but came straight back in.
“He almost returned conditioned for pre-season. So, physically, he’s looked really good.
“I love Jay as a player because I love players who play with energy, intensity. He’s got that top level intensity in his game in that he can sprint, stop; sprint again, stop; sprint again . . . he just keeps going.
“I think there’s definitely been a growth in this past year. I can see him maturing – his decisions with the ball, his personality on the pitch, how he’s handling things.
“You can see that he’s growing into the top player that I’m sure he’s destined to become. And it all starts with his attitude. What he is on the pitch. You can see, visually the fans, and that’s what he’s like every day.
“He’s full of energy, a very hard-working and honest player but has quality as well. It’s been a really good year for Jay.”
Stansfield helped spark Blues at Ewood Park after they fell behind, his ‘infectious’ determination rubbing off on the others.
Davies commented: “You need a catalyst, a spark in moments like that when the game was a little bit in a lull.
“We couldn’t quite find the chances or the moments and I think he made a dribble up the pitch, past a few players, and just stayed on the ball and won a corner, and got the crowd involved.
“He is like that, Jay. And he showed real leadership qualities there because he sparked us back into life. He does play with that emotion in his game which, when channelled like that, can make a difference.”
Blues face Oxford United on Saturday at St. Andrew’s in the Championship and Davies will have to make an enforced change at left-back.
Alex Cochrane had to be withdrawn at half-time against Blackburn, although his injury is not as bad as initially feared.
Davies said: “He’s OK, a little bit of a knock, nothing major. It won’t be too much longer he’s out for. We’ll assess it day to day.”
Ethan Laird could continue in the role, or Davies could switch Bright Osayi-Samuel to the left, a position he played at QPR.
