Jay Spearing

[RedReet]

I think he’ll still get his fair share of games, especially if we line up with three in midfield. At least he knows Kenny picks players on merit, so if he gets in and plays well he’s likely to stay in the team.

[Chrono]

There's no sentiment in being succesful. Good luck to him, he is going to need to prove he is better than at least 3 of those directly in front of him.

[PTP]

which to be fair to him, is all he is - harsh maybe....but imo he is perfect for us, if he is happy to play a role were he provides cover, and gets 10-15 games a year.

i think spearing will see himself as direct cover for lucas. Who hardly misses a game

I'd say in order our midfielders will be picked like

gerrard
lucas
adam
meireles
henderson (will also be used on the right)
spearing

and send shelvey on loan

[PTP]

that order obv depends on what formations we play, tactics etc

spearing will still get games, but he is purely cover.

[RedReet]

which to be fair to him, is all he is - harsh maybe....but imo he is perfect for us, if he is happy to play a role were he provides cover, and gets 10-15 games a year.

i think spearing will see himself as direct cover for lucas. Who hardly misses a game

I'd say in order our midfielders will be picked like

gerrard
lucas
adam
meireles
henderson (will also be used on the right)
spearing

and send shelvey on loan

Gerrard will pick up injuries and when Kenny is looking for a bit of bite in midfield on a tough away trip I can see him looking to Spearing.

[Chrono]

I agree that it's a good situation. His love for the club means he is happy to get any game time with us which means we have a hungry replacement on the bench ready to step in and give his all. Keeps the harmony and everyone is happy. I would also expect there to be heavy rotation depending on the competition with the pecking order being mirrored for the likes of the league cup, etc.

[Shaggy]

It's gonna be ****ing lovely to have options on the bench again. Our bench this season has mostly looked appalling.

[Maxiedge]

Actually we don't have another player like him. I feel really sorry him as I think if he had got more games from an early age he's be one of the best DM around

[RedReet]

Lets not forget Lucas mightn't be available at the start of the Season after the Copa America, so Jay might actually be first choice.

[dww]

So what now for Spearing? After doing so well and getting a new contract, he's gonna be looking at Henderson coming in, with Adam likely to follow and thinking "****". Plus with Gerrard, Lucas and Meireles also competing for a slot he could well find himself 6th choice for centre mid.

Given Gerrard's injury record I imagine he looks at it and thinks "for most of next season we will have two midfielders capable of tackling - me and Lucas. I imagine I'll be fine."

The situation with Spearing reminds me of how people always saw Carragher getting pushed out whenever we signed a defender. I don't think he'll be first choice but the contract clearly indicates that Kenny thinks he has a role and the absence of any defensive minded midfielders in our targets indicates that Kenny thinks that Lucas and Spearing are enough for that role.

[Rich]

Lets not forget Lucas mightn't be available at the start of the Season after the Copa America, so Jay might actually be first choice.

Good shout. Lucas will need a rest even if he is a duracell bunny.

[Lee]

It's gonna be ****ing lovely to have options on the bench again. Our bench this season has mostly looked appalling.

It'll be nice to look at our bench this season and see a couple of people who can change a game on it.

[anfieldanfield]

It seems as though we'll almost always been playing with three in the center of the park. Stevie, Lucas + one other. Hendo,Spearing and Miereles will have to fight it out for that spot.

I think Shelvey should go on loan.

Surely we're not signing Charlie Adam as well ?

[Rich]

I think Shelvey should go on loan.

I'd prefer to keep him at the club to work on his game. Needs to work on his fitness and playing a deeper role.

[McDermotX]

It's gonna be ****ing lovely to have options on the bench again. Our bench this season has mostly looked appalling.

agreed, but would like someone else on there who can either give us a goal or give us another option in the final third. No good filling the squad up midfielders...............Jay is staying, fair enough, Henderson coming in, not overly enamored but willing to get behind him. Paying too much as usual, but so be it.
Nice to see the overall squad improve though....no ****ing doubt about it.