BAD luck has followed Jai Stanley throughout his Worcester City career.

Ever since John Barton splashed out a club record £10,000 for his services in December 2003, good fortune hasn't quite shone on the shaggy-haired one.

Not once, twice, but three times, knee ligament injuries have cruelly set Stanley back from weaving the style of football Moor Green enjoyed prior to his ground-breaking deal.

Before the ink barely had time to dry on the five-figure cheque, Stanley was already in agony, taken off in his second City game against Sutton Coldfield Town.

He wasn't born on Friday 13th, but he may as well have been. As a result, Stanley has gone under the knife more times than many silicone celebrities.

What Stanley needs is a kind break -- not just for his own benefit but City's too.

By and large, Worcester supporters would love Stanley fighting fit and orchestrating play from midfield.

Most can sympathise with Stanley's injury set-backs and -- on the football side -- still identify the 27-year-old as one of Nationwide North's most creative players.

On his day, he belongs with the very best playmakers.

Understanding

An intelligent passer with a good footballing brain, Stanley's understanding of those around him is second to none.

Nobody benefits more than City's strikers -- latching on to his range of clever through-balls that split open defences.

Stanley's defensive work has also hugely improved during his time at St George's Lane, but it is his attacking nous and flair that set him apart.

However, there is a question mark now over whether Stanley's legs work as quickly as his brain.

Last season, following his second knee operation, matches which Stanley ran the show for Worcester were few and far between, due in no small measure to his fitness levels.

And a section of supporters -- mindful of the money City stumped up -- were eager to moan and groin in his direction when a cute pass went horribly wrong.

He was in better form before his injury recurrence, which occurred in the September 2004 clash with Lancaster City.

This term, Stanley managed just three first-team starts before his knee once again gave way -- for a third time.

During six miserable months out on the sidelines, he watched in envy as Sam Wedgbury and Tom Warmer helped grab City's midfield by the scruff of the neck. They are younger, fitter and fresher.

Stanley is now at the crossroads of his Worcester career, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

To improve his fitness, he has moved to Hednesford Town for a one-month loan spell.

It could prove to be a significant month if Stanley wants to remain part of manager Andy Preece's long-term plans. The vast majority of fans would love nothing better than to see him steer Nationwide North's basement boys up the league table and return to City in good shape.

And no doubt Stanley would love to prove to his detractors that he was worth every penny of that five-figure fee.

On the flip side, with Preece continuing to build for next season, time is running out for Stanley to convince the City boss he warrants a new contract.

Stanley's supporters -- those who have seen him at his contructive best -- would wish him all the best. He certainly deserves a change of luck.