[2] Staniforth replaced Walter Bennett to make his First Division debut on the right wing in a 0–2 defeat at Everton on 6 October 1906.

Staniforth made 24 appearances scoring 3 goals in 1906-07 as Bristol City achieved their highest ever League position finishing as First Division runners up to Newcastle United.

Staniforth made 34 appearances scoring 4 goals in the First Division as Bristol City finished in 8th place.

[3] Bristol City slipped to 16th position in the First Division in 1909-10 when Staniforth shared right wing duties with Bob Hardy making 22 appearances scoring 3 goals.

Staniforth lost his regular place on the right wing in October 1910 when City signed Willie Clark from Sunderland but returned for 6 games of the final run of 8 matches.