all a sudden that move to Leeds is looking pretty good right now, especially if he is brought in as a midfielder.
Spector to the Philadelphia Union? Unlikely, in my opinion, but the author speculates that as the reason behind departure of Jordan Harvey. Nevermind that Spector isn't a great LB and that was Harvey's position. http://articles.philly.com/2011-07-...k-shea-salinas-union-assistant-john-hackworth
Fella on one of the WHU boards from Germany said he was seen in Berlin. Not usually one to post something so frivilous, but that actually seemed sensible and Hertha strike me as a club that would definitely be interested.
Pure speculation. I highly doubt it'll happen, although Spector would be an upgrade over Harvey. Here's a pretty thorough breakdown from a regular Union poster detailing potential Yank Abroad LB candidates:
Writer Duncan castles says Leeds are still in the running for him http://twitter.com/#!/DuncanCastles
I'd rather him at Leeds hopefully with Lichaj. The American duo could help them get promoted and that would be pretty neat.
Not a bad option IF he gets to play in midfield. B'ham traditionally is yo-you club and has good shot to be back in Prem next year. I think it would be wrong move if they are looking at him as a right back, but I have feeling that Spector is making it clear that he wants to be utilized in the central midfield and this is likely a reason why he is willing to drop down a division to make it happen.
That could be it, or it could just be that there's little to no PL interest in him. Which wouldn't be hard to believe, given his less than impressive play over the past few years.
Who didn't see this reply coming? Anyway, midfield in the Championship would be a solid move for Spector if he can make it happen.
The reply isn't any less inherently valuable than the complete speculation in the original post. This is a thread about Spector, not individual posters.
From a USMNT perspective I'd like to see him at CB again. We have loads of CM's that are (probably) better than Spector. Edu, Jones, Bradley, Torres, Holden, etc. Birmingham are supposed to lose Scott Dann and already lost Roger Johnson (their starting CB's) so hopefully we get a look at him there.
If someone could find a way to motivate Specs he has the physical ability Stu lacks, the technique MB lacks, the attacking instinct Edu lacks and the polish that Torres lacks. Jones is going to be old soon.
Going forward, I can see the US, and JK, playing a lot of 4-5-1 (either 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1/4-3-3). In that case, I kind of see 3 types of CM's. 1. DM types: Jones, Bradley, Edu, Clark 2. Genuine CAM types: Feilhaber, Torres, Adu, Diskerud, Bedoya 3. Genuine 2-Way players: Holden, Bradley, Spector, Kljestan Now, I realize there will be some crossover, especially if one goes 4-1-4-1; but if we want one of the CM/DM's in the 4-2-3-1 to be a bit better going forward (and Holden is in the CAM role), Spector could have a place. As he could if we play an inverted triangle and want one of the more defensive guys to be a bit steelier on D.
Does the truth bother you so much? Spector had become a fungible squad player at West Ham. He's handy to have around because he provides cover at a number of positions, but he's far from above-average at any of them in terms of EPL quality. Guys like this are highly replaceable. It's unsurprising to see a player of that profile drop down a division. I mean, a backup on a relegated team...it's par for the course. Now, if Spector gives up on RB and gets a nice run of games at CM in the Championship, perhaps he can reinvent himself a bit.
Nothing new but here's a link: Leeds are also interested in recruiting Jonathan Spector, whose contract with West Ham United expired following their relegation from the Premier League in the summer. http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/chelsea-set-to-miss-out-on-playmaker-javier-pastore
From a USMNT perspective, I see your point. IMO, Spector has played his best in a midfield role. I'd like to see him get an extended season long run there to see how he develops. Never said it wasn't the truth and even in the very next sentence said a year in the championship would be a solid move for him. But ok.
Championship is only a great move, the right move if he is consistently getting central midfield minutes. In a sense, you can justify the cut in pay for the 'job retraining', which Spector really looks like himself (and more valuable) in attacking midfield spot. Otherwise, its just a huge paycut for the same job.
It's only a "paycut" if he could get better offers than Championship teams. Which I really doubt he can. It's more of a "getting the best you can."