Warning: Use of undefined constant have_posts - assumed 'have_posts' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /data/16/1/13/131/1828783/user/1983499/htdocs/wp-content/themes/bridgesfc/single.php on line 3
U.S. Defender Spector Vying for Premier League Return at Birmingham City
February 10, 2012 –
U.S. Men’s National Team defender Jonathan Spector is currently playing the most important role of his professional tenure in England. After several seasons of off-and-on playing time within the Premier League, Spector is a key component for a Birmingham City team that is enjoying a rousing run that has the team in prime position to return to England’s top flight.
Before Spector arrived to the Blues in August of last year, Birmingham had been relegated to The Championship. The team has been on a roll over the past two months, not losing a match since its 1-0 road loss on Dec. 19, 2011, to Crystal Palace. During the unbeaten stretch, the Blues have been 6-3-0 in league play and 8-4-0 overall to move into third place.
“We’ve been on a great run as of late,” Spector said. “We knew it was going to take a while to work our way up the table because we had a few games in hand because of the Europa League. We knew that we weren’t going to be in the hunt initially. Now we’re up to third, and I think we’re two points off automatic promotion, and six points off first place, which is a great spot to be in. But we also know there are teams behind us who are fighting to work their way up the table, as well.”
The 26-year-old Arlington Heights, Ill., native is seeing more playing time with Birmingham than he has during any other previous season at West Ham United or Manchester United. Spector has played in 25 league matches and 37 in all, earning the starting nod in every match. Before Saturday’s contest against Barnsley, the Blues still have 17 league games on the docket through April.
While Spector cannot predict where he could potentially fit in within the U.S. Men’s National Team under head coach Jurgen Klinsmann down the road, the consistent playing time bodes well for him.
“It’s just been beneficial for me individually in a sense that I’m playing week in and week out and having this run of games,” Spector said. “You’re bound to improve and sharpen up on certain things, which I’ve been able to do. In past seasons, whether it’s through injuries or just being in and out of the team, it certainly makes it more difficult. Fitness isn’t an issue for me with the number of games we’ve played. Within the team I’ve started more games than anyone else, and I feel great.”
