Jay Spearing

[Mostar]

If he plays like he did today against better opposition, that still isn't good enough.

He'd be the one with the baseball hat

http://4gifs.com/gallery/v/Bully_Zangiefed.gif.html

[RichC]

I would have a problem with that, today he was decent because our centre backs were excellent, but we didn't control the game.
We need to improve the squad as a whole, we have shown recently how much we lack in depth and having the likes of Spearing as our reserve midfield option is evidence of that problem. Against a well organised team (as Braga were) he serves no purpose at all.

So how many players are you expecting us to bring in?

At best I can see a CB, 2 * CMs, LB maybe 2 and someone to provide some width - all to come in and provide first team quality, we still for next season at least need the Spearings et al to provide a little bit of depth.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

[Mattshark]

So how many players are you expecting us to bring in?

At best I can see a CB, 2 * CMs, LB maybe 2 and someone to provide some width - all to come in and provide first team quality, we still for next season at least need the Spearings et al to provide a little bit of depth.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

And if we bring in 2 CMs we can ship off Spearing as we'll have 5

[Charly]

If its skill and ability that counts, how come Kuyt has been a regular for 5 years?

[alunevans]

Before today I like many others had written him off, but I thought he was fantastic today, defended well, covered for the fullbacks and showed good reading of the game to clear the danger a few times. He also got forward well on occasions too; won the penalty, had a decent 20 yard effort.

Have we been a bit quick to write him off? Could he have a future with us?

For me, I'd have him ahead of Meireles and Poulsen as a central midfielder.

Not convinced he's the quality we need but I'd be playing him centre mid til SG gets back.

[yamiedo]

He will never be a regular if we want to be one of the best in the league. Maybe not even a squad player. Look at the talent all the other top teams have at that position. I do hope that he proves everyone wrong and makes it at Liverpool but I highly doubt it!

[Mattshark]

If its skill and ability that counts, how come Kuyt has been a regular for 5 years?

Kuyr scores and creates plenty for us.

[SB]

Still hasn't convinced me and one very good game won't change my mind, but fantastic today and it was good to see.

Don't forget the Derby match where he also did a good job. 2 starts now for Kenny I think and he's done well in both. I don't think any of us are expecting him to push Gerrard onto the bench or such but if he's happy to play a bit part I think we should keep him for another season. It would be beneficial if he could play more positions like left or right side of defence

[SB]

[SB]

SiClancy Simon Clancy
Jay Spearing's been terrific. Give a man a job. Man does job. Job done.

[Exiled_red]

[RedReet]

when we had alonso and mascherano in the middle every time he played he looked limited compared to those two. but when you compare spearing to poulsen and meireles his all round game doesnt fare too bad. he uses the ball better than poulsen and hes more agressive than meireles.

hes english, hes ok as a squad player but im not sure how much talent this kid has got. i dont think he'll be good enough at the highest level but you never know because some players develop late.

one thing is certain we definitely need a couple of decent midfield players come summer.

I seen a few clips in the build up to the match showing highlights of past Sunderland games. Forgot just how good Xabi was, his goal was lovely, his assists exquisite, his effort from the half way line unbelievable and his passing pure class. First time in ages I’ve really missed him and was a stark reminder of what we’ve been lacking since he left.

He will never be a regular if we want to be one of the best in the league. Maybe not even a squad player. Look at the talent all the other top teams have at that position. I do hope that he proves everyone wrong and makes it at Liverpool but I highly doubt it!

United's centre midfield is dire and they are top of the league.

[PTP]

Mate of a mate who knows spearing (i mentioned this the other week when i said gerrard was a doubt for the man u game, days before anyone else had it ) - said Spearing didn't find out he was starting till an hour before kick off...ie when the team sheet was put up.

Interesting - would also explain why there has been zero team leaks like there used to be

[Exiled_red]

Mate of a mate who knows spearing (i mentioned this the other week when i said gerrard was a doubt for the man u game, days before anyone else had it ) - said Spearing didn't find out he was starting till an hour before kick off...ie when the team sheet was put up.

Interesting - would also explain why there has been zero team leaks like there used to be

Interesting, personally I prefer that method not letting the players know well in advance.

[PTP]

He played well yesterday granted - but he did look like he knew he was playing for his future too....

for me personally, not quite good enough - We still look keen on Charlie Adam, and we are desperate for a proper tackling, strong defensive mid that would replace Poulsen.

If we signed adam and then a scott parker or m'vila type - with meireles lucas and gerrard already here - i think it would pretty much be time to move on for spearing - especially when you consider we also have jonjo shelvey to accomodate too. We could prob only have one of those two and shelvey just edges it