Yep, Birmingham is joining in the Play-Off round (the next one). http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/clubs/country/index.html#ENG
Re: Spector Wonderland - The West Ham Revelation Perfectly serviceable considering our other options in that part of the field? Is that what we already now about how he looks at fullback? I don't understand why people have completely discarded the idea of Spector as a defender. The guy was obviously good enough to play our entire Confederations Cup run in the back, in which we had a couple of our better defensive games of all time. He was only moved to midfield by an incompetent manager dealing with a severe injury crisis who was desperate to find something that worked. And despite the goals here and there, Spector in midfield actually didn't work for Grant and West Ham; I don't think they won a single league game that Spector played in this calendar year. If you've followed Spector's career, you'd know that wasn't even the first time he had been played in central midfield for West Ham. He had been moved there during a similar injury crisis in 2007 and, wouldn't you know it, he moved back to playing fullback soon after. I've heard people make the claim that he can't play defense anymore after his hip surgery supposedly took away some pace, but I think that's bull. You need to be able to move quite a bit to play in a bottom-of-the-table English midfield as well. I don't understand why people can't just be satisfied with Spector as what he is: an unspectacular but solid utility guy with years of Premier League experience.
Re: Spector Wonderland - The West Ham Revelation He was terrible at left back (slightly better at right back) for West Ham the past few years.
Re: Spector Wonderland - The West Ham Revelation But how would this not be the case for every fullback in our pool right now besides Cherundolo? So he got skinned by Aaron Lennon? Guess we're gonna have to use Bornstein or Pearce again.
With the loss of Johnson and the potential loss of Dann, Birmingham are in desperate need in defense. The midfield is a bit full at the moment, so my money is on defense. Note, the club is talking about his versatility, so don't be surprised if he gets his chance at midfield at some point. Glad to have a YA at Birmingham City in the first team. There're 1 or 2 in the club's system as well. Can't say I'm sure I want to see them win their Europa League playoff. It'll be fun to see them play in Europe, but making the group stages will probably kill their promotion chances.
He looked decent in the Confeds because teams didn't attack him. At this point in his career post hip injury he's an attacking player.
I honestly don't why know why Spector would put himself in the situation in which he is counted on as a defender, unless this is all about the money. It would not be good career management in my opinion. Its clear that his future- if he wants it to push higher- is in midfield. That's where he has the most growth potential. I'm hoping that he has it clear to the coach that he gets his shot at central midfield first and foremost in coming in. Once they stick him at defender, it could be a real black hole for him again. It comes down to this- he is better, even much better looking player acting (not REacting) to plays. It might be a speed issue, and it might be mentality, but he just looked more comfortable (and put in better performances too) in midfield- having ability to be part of the attack and even take guys on 1v1. He has even occasionally demontrated a flair for the spectacular. To me, he looks a tick slower since his hip surgery. Doesn't explode as well from a dead stop, but can get up to speed once on the run. Funny enough, he seems to be able to move forward, with the ball, at pace well. That's just not going to happen much being on the backline. I really hope he has things clear with Haughton.
The Birmingham mail readers seem happy w/ the signing http://www.birminghammail.net/birmi...ure-as-jonathan-spector-signs-97319-29159548/
It is an interesting world, here in Big Soccer, far removed from the reality of considering careers, bosses and money. I often marvel . . . As difficult as it is to figure, Spector and his advisors have a far greater command of all of the variables. Props to Jon Spector for getting a job with an opportunity to contribute. Best wishes to him, of course . . .
Just want to clarify my biggest point, playing him at left back is absolute madness. He was getting beaten like a drum there for West Ham, seemed to lose his confidence and his form went in the tank. I think he is competent, if unspectacular on the right or in central defense. Anyone who thinks that he did not show promise and potential in his limited stints in midfield either did not bother to watch any games, or is blind.
It was an absolute crying shame when he got hurt at the end of January. He had started several games in midfield after the Man U Cup explosion late last year, and he was showing really, really well. He had goals, assists. One of West Hams best players during that multi-game stretch. Then the doublewhammy: Spector gets hurt right when the midfield regulars were coming back to challenge for their starting spot. Spector never had a chance to properly defend the starting spot he had just taken. In the final few games of the season, he got the starting call again in midfield- and once again acquitted himself well...particularly in the match against Chelsea at Chelsea. You are right- just watch the film. In midfield, he's almost unrecognizable from the right/left back he played at West Ham. So full of confidence, and really creating some nice stuff. Soccer so freakin' cruel. Cruel to Spector, cruel to Holden, etc.
the plus to this is Hughton is one hell of a coach with a track record that speaks for itself in this league. they should be favorites to go back up. He'll know Specs isnt a defender anymore.
Spector deemed a replacement for departed Liam Ridgewell (primarily a center back) http://www.football.co.uk/birmingham_city/chris_hughton_targets_jonathan_spector_as_replacement_for_liam_ridgewell_rss1752740.shtml Coach Hughton is high on Spector as a player and as a person: “We’re very aware of the qualities he brings,” says Hughton. “He’s a very versatile player – at West Ham last season he was used in two or three different positions – hard-working and, more so, he’s experienced. “He has played at good football clubs, he’s an international player and played in the Premier League, of course. “On top of that, all the things I’ve heard about him as an individual are good. He’s the right type that you want, a very committed player. Those right types are important and I would have to say that the lads we have brought in this summer have been excellent. “For them it’s a great opportunity, it’s a real good challenge. And, of course, for all the ones who have come in, it’s a fresh start for them. “Any player who has a fresh start wants to do well.” Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmi...n-spector-signs-97319-29159548/#ixzz1U1APjC1a
Something interesting about the Leeds interest from Greg Selzer: There's more: http://www.noshortcorners.com/2011/08/while-im-at-it.html
Ridgewell's definitely an LB these days. Good luck to Specs, I hope that wherever you may play it is far away from the touchlines.