BIRMINGHAM forward Jay Stansfield broke down in tears while discussing the club’s owner’s health during a television interview.

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NINTCHDBPICT001106081353Jay Stansfield broke down in tears as he discussed the awaited return of owner Tom Wagner after his stroke Credit: Sky Sports

Jay Stansfield emotional when talking about Tom Wagner returning to St Andrews following his Stoke in February. 🥹🙏 pic.twitter.com/iqWegs0WLI

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But the 57-year-old sparked fears at the club when he had to be rushed to the hospital after suffering a stroke in February.

He was told to steer clear of the Blues’ games during his recovery, but he was for their 2-2 draw with on Sunday.

He was given a raucous reception from the fans, and that love was clearly also felt on the pitch, as Stansfield gave an emotional response when asked about the homecoming.

The teary-eyed striker said after the match: “Yeah it’s special.

“I’ve been in contact with him (Wagner) the last few weeks so to have him here is special.

Stansfield reckoned he could feel the difference Wagner made as the side came from behind twice to take a point, adding: “He gave us a big boost today.”

Wagner made his money as the co-founder of investment firm Knighthead Capital Management.

He bought into Birmingham in the summer of 2023, with and legend also investing in the side as a minority owner the following month.

Birmingham City Chairman Tom WagnerThe businessman suffered the health emergency in February and has not been at a game since Credit: PA NINTCHDBPICT001106081355Stansfield was clearly emotional as he welcomed the executive back Credit: Sky Sports

The club suffered relegation to in the pair’s first season in charge, but bounced straight back the following year.

Their rise was documented in an docu-series about the club, called

Alongside their new Hollywood billing, Birmingham have also experienced a boost in financing – with Stansfield when he signed from for a fee of £15million in 2024.

In fact, all three of the top most expensive arrivals to the British third tier were signed by Birmingham in that 2024/25 window, with Christoph Klarer and Willum Willumson arriving for around £3.5m each.

It’s not hard to see why Wagner is such a beloved figure at the club, although they have endured a mediocre start to the campaign in which they have drawn four of their five matches.

They might have more good news on the horizon though as Wagner continues to drive forward in the city.