Photo by Tony Quinn/ISIphotos.com
By AVI CREDITOR
Cross Jonathan Spector off the list of U.S. internationals looking for a new club.
Spector has officially joined England League Championship club Birmingham City on a two-year deal with an option for a third, a source with knowledge of the deal told SBI.
While other options were on the table, Birmingham was ultimately Spector's first choice and the club "went really hard to get him," the source said. He'll suit up for manager Chris Hughton with an eye on establishing himself in the midfield, although as a player in a new environment he'll accept regular playing time if it means shifting back to defense.
Spector was one of the handful of players to speak with new U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann over the weekend, but he won't be part of the roster for next Wednesday's friendly against Mexico as he gets acclimated to his new club, the source said.
What do you think about the move, now that it's final? Would you rather see Spector hone his skills at defense or focus on the midfield?
Share your thoughts below.
If Spector is going to see USMNT playing time–he is going to have to develop as a full back. I think he could work very well with the likes of Timmy Chandler on the right side, but I can also see him on the left side as well. He should spend lots of time at Birmingham working on his crossing ability. If he can get the point where he can get down the flank (on either side) and whip a cross in to a point 8-10 yards from goal consistently, he will be a huge asset to the USMNT. But he is not going to break into the USMNT midfield corps–that is just too deep right now.
Hahahaha funny West Ham fans
I am glad he has his club situation handled.
Good move for Spector. He’ll take a bit of a pay cut though. It would be interesting to know how much per year he made in the EPL vs. how much he will make in the Championship.
SPECTOR = MESSI!!!
(+1 to anyone who remembers the reference.)
Spector could be the 12th man on the squad for some time. He seems to have too many little spots in the game when he loses focus to be an outstanding back. He is best at striking long balls and running when he has some space, he has never struck me as a guy who is really comfortable in crowded spots so central mid is probably not his best spot. He could do very well as an outside mid, but is behind several other players there. But he can play all of CB, LB, RB, CM (either centrally or out wide) passably at a pretty high level. I just do not see him ahead of any number of other players in those spots, but for some things he is really, really good and I expect him to continue to contribute to the USMNT for some time.
I honestly think that if none of our young CB’s step up and grab a starting spot, he plan play next to Goodson or Gooch (if Gooch ever gets back in form.)
You’re right. The fact that he’s 25 and has been in the EPL for 8 seasons or so says enough, really!
I think that might be his niche to be in the national team picture too. It is a great asset in an international tournament to have one player to cover an crisis that would pop up at a variety of positions.
good for him. hopefully he can find some consistent playing time.
Regardless of what his best position is and whether he flourishes in one at Birmingham, right now he’s an important utility player w/ a ton of Premiership experience. These don’t grow on trees. Every manager needs squad players and thus he’ll be an important USMNT player for years to come.
I’d say midfield. He plays well going forward. His crosses from the fullback position are nice, but he’s not fast enough to deal with quicker wing players. Competition in the midfield can only be a good thing.
He is a WC cycle younger than Dempsey and Donovan. I think he stands to compete for a starting role in the US midfield someday or sooner if he gets to play there regularly. He has looked positively lethal going forward sometimes. The kid can play.
“…but if he develops into the next Iniesta I certainly can live with that”
Insanity, table for one?
I’ve always felt he’s more talented then people give him credit for. This looks like a great opportunity for consistent playing time. Just wish it was for an EPL team…
Didnt mean to reply to you with Mr. Patrick. Ignore my comment as a reply to anyone
Freddy, Eddie, Michael? Where are you?
I struggle to figure out where exactly Spector fits into our NT. In midfield I believe he is behind a number of players and only see him being used as third string depth. In defense I see him behind Cherundolo and Chandler. I don’t see him being trusted with CB. Maybe left back? Just not sure that is a strong position for him. At this point I don’t see him playing a significant role, simply adding depth accross the field due to his versatility. So I guess anywhere he plays is a plus but I don’t see him being a major USMNT contributor in the future.
I get the funny feeling that he is never going to get to “focus” on any position. His value to a club is his ability to capably play anywhere on the back line and spots in the midfield. Just too easy for a manager to plug him in when an injury, form, or fitness issue affects a regular 11 player. Maybe with a Championship side, he can find his “niche” – but I think his real “niche” is his versatility. By no means is there anything wrong with that. I think he will continue to have a good solid career and make good money as there is a definite value in versatility. Always thought he looked most comfortable at CB though.
Even when he played defense, he was most impressive when he was going forward and attacking. That also happened to be when he got burned on D. He likes to attack and that is what he should be doing, staying true to the type of player he is. Midfielder for me.
Pssh, you’re acting like playing against Brazil and Spain is high level soccer.
I agree with Patrick. He seemed to do well defending at the Confed Cup and also did great getting upfield and helping out on offense. I’d rather see him develop into a good wingback (fullback). I think we have plenty of other midfield options, but if he develops into the next Iniesta I certainly can live with that. We’ll just have to see where BC plays him.
he did ok in the confederations cup…
“Would you rather see Spector hone his skills at defense or focus on the midfield?”
Midfield for sure. Obviously we need defenders more but that’s just not something Spector can do at a high enough level to be a difference maker for us.
Good move since he fell out of favor at West Ham, and as a result wasn’t getting many reps for the national team. Change of scenery will be good for him. Hopefully he gets a chance in midfield…looked good at times in his ad hoc appearances for WH.
Sweet. I hope he can flourish in an attacking midfield role with Birmingham. Watching him dominate ManU in that cup match gave me chills.