It is with great sadness that Exeter City Football Club have to confirm the news that Adam Stansfield passed away on Tuesday evening.

Our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends at this time.

Adam was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2010 and the 31-year-old underwent intensive treatment.

Having previously been a prolific goalscorer with Cullompton Rangers and Elmore, Adam actually played for the Grecians in their reserve side, but unfortunately sustained a knee injury.

He got a chance to sign for Yeovil Town in November 2001 and made his debut in the Conference 24-hours later against Southport. He continued to regularly hit the back of the net for Yeovil, the sort of form that won him a place in the England semi-pro team.

A broken leg kept him out of action, but he made a full recovery before signing for Hereford United at the start of the 2004/05 season, where he helped the Bulls into the Football League, as he had at Yeovil.

Adam's Exeter career began back in June 2006 and his successful first season included a double against Southport on the final day to help City into the Play Offs before scoring a memorable goal at Oxford in the Play Off Semi Final Second Leg which helped the Grecians to Wembley for the first time in their history.

He continued to score goals and create many more with his tireless running as City clinched back-to-back promotions.

Last season he scored 7 times in 27 appearances in League One before his cancer was diagnosed in April.

- Exeter City are to open the Big Bank gates at St James' Park from 9:30am this morning for people wishing to pay their respects to Adam Stansfield at the Football Club.