Jay Spearing

Jay Spearing
Spearing playing for Liverpool in 2012
Personal information
Full name Jay Francis Spearing[1]
Date of birth (1988-11-25) 25 November 1988[1]
Place of birth Wallasey, England
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)[1]
Playing position Defensive midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Blackpool
Number 8
Youth career
1997–2008 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2013 Liverpool 30 (0)
2010 → Leicester City (loan) 7 (1)
2012–2013 → Bolton Wanderers (loan) 37 (2)
2013–2017 Bolton Wanderers 125 (8)
2015 → Blackburn Rovers (loan) 15 (1)
2017– Blackpool 23 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 00:05, 16 March 2018 (UTC)

Jay Francis Spearing (born 25 November 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Blackpool.

Career

Liverpool

Reserves (2007–2010)

Raised in Wallasey, Merseyside,[1] Spearing was the captain of the Liverpool Under 18s which won the FA Youth Cup in 2007. He featured the previous season in the final against Manchester City, but missed the majority of the season due to a broken leg. Spearing was promoted to Melwood in the summer of 2007 to train with the Liverpool first team after impressing in the club's Academy. He had been involved with his boyhood club since he was seven years old. He was voted the best player in the Torneo di Renate, a competition for under-20 sides, competing against clubs such as Milan and Parma. He was also part of the Reserve side which won the Premier Reserve League in the 2007–08 season.[2]

2008–09 season

Spearing made his competitive first team debut on 9 December 2008, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 UEFA Champions League win against PSV.[3] Spearing also appeared in the Reds' 4–0 win over Real Madrid in the second round of the Champions League.

On 31 March 2009, Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez announced that he would be offering Spearing a new contract, alongside fellow home-grown youngster Stephen Darby. On 6 July 2009, Spearing agreed to a new three-year contract with Liverpool.

Loan move to Leicester City

Spearing playing for Leicester City against Cardiff City on 30 March 2010

On 22 March 2010, Liverpool confirmed Spearing would join Championship club Leicester City on loan until the end of the 2009–10 season, linking up with former Liverpool reserve teammate Jack Hobbs.[4] His debut came two days later, starting in the Foxes' 2–1 Championship loss to Reading. His last game for Leicester was on 12 May in the Championship Play-off semi-final, with Leicester winning 3–2, but it wasn't enough to reach the final as they lost on a penalty shootout.[5] He made nine appearances for Leicester and scored his only goal for the club in the 4–1 home win against Watford.[6]

2010–11 season

Spearing was included in Liverpool's 21-man squad for the 2010–11 Premier League season. Spearing started and played the full 90 minutes in the opening leg of Liverpool's UEFA Europa League qualifier against Macedonian side FK Rabotnički, and came on as a substitute at Anfield in the second leg. On 16 September, he again played the full 90 minutes in the Reds' opening group game against Steaua București, his first ever start at Anfield, setting up David N'Gog for the fourth and final goal as Liverpool won 4–1. On 22 September, he was involved in Liverpool's shock League Cup third round exit to League Two side Northampton Town; Liverpool lost 4–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw. On 21 October, he played the full 90 minutes in Liverpool's third group stage tie, a 0–0 draw with a Napoli side featuring former Liverpool left-back Andrea Dossena.

Spearing was an unused substitute in Liverpool's 1–0 Premier League win against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium on 31 October. He came on in the 90th minute of Liverpool's 2–0 victory over Chelsea on 7 November 2010, instantly making an impact by playing a through ball to assist a Maxi Rodríguez effort. On 20 November, it was reported that Spearing had broken his ankle in training and would be out for up to six weeks. Spearing made his first appearance of 2011 against Everton on 16 January. In the post-match interview, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish praised the young midfielder and joked that Steven Gerrard may never get into the first team again.[7] On 20 March, Spearing started another league game, away to Sunderland. Spearing won a penalty, which was converted by Dirk Kuyt to put Liverpool 1–0 up and was generally praised for his great performance.

Spearing then went on the secure a first team berth with the absence of Steven Gerrard and out of favour Christian Poulsen. For the remnants of the Premier League season, he formed an excellent midfield partnership with the resurgent Lucas. Against Arsenal on 17 April, Spearing gave away a 98th-minute penalty which Robin van Persie scored to make the game 1–0. The match finished 1–1. Despite this, Spearing won the man of the match award from Sky Sports and was praised after the game for his determination, work-rate and battling performance, traits that epitomised his successful run in the starting XI. He received the journalists' man of the match award on the official Liverpool website three times during the season.

In May 2011, the club announced that he had extended his contract,[8] and as a result of wide critical acclaim for his sterling performances for Liverpool, Spearing was included in England under-21s provisional 40-man-squad for the 2011 Summer U21 European Championship, with fellow Liverpool player Andy Carroll.[9]

2011–12 season

Spearing during pre-season training

For the 2011–12 season, Spearing wore the number 20, with his old number 26 being registered to Charlie Adam.[10] Despite his highly praised performances at the end of last season, Spearing immediately fell down the pecking order in Liverpool's midfield after the arrival of midfielders Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing. On 20 July 2011, it was widely reported that Spearing would consider an option to move to Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan but the club rejected their approach, stating that Spearing was in their plans. Spearing later dismissed the rumour saying he was willing to fight for his place in the starting XI.[11]

He made his first start of the season against Exeter City in the League Cup on 24 August 2011. The result ended in a 3–1 victory for Liverpool. Though by his own admission he had not featured as much as he would have liked in the opening months of the season, he continued to impress when called upon, with Kenny Dalglish calling his performance in the 2–0 win against Chelsea in the League Cup "superb". Spearing was sent off for the first time in his professional career during Liverpool's 1–0 loss to Fulham on 5 December.

2012–13 season

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers described Spearing as a "very good player with great qualities" who has "the soul of the club in his heart".[12] He started the first competitive game of the season in the UEFA Europa League qualifier against Belarusian club Gomel, playing the full 90 minutes, and made a substitute appearance in the return leg at Anfield. His final appearance of the season for Liverpool came as a start in the 1–0 victory against Hearts in a Europa League qualifier on 23 August 2012.

Loan move to Bolton Wanderers

On 31 August 2012, Spearing joined Championship side Bolton Wanderers on a season-long loan deal.[13] His debut came a day later in Bolton's 3–1 defeat against Hull City.[14] He scored his first goal for Bolton on 20 October as the club beat Bristol City 3–2, in which he scored Bolton's second goal, an equaliser.[15] While at Bolton, Spearing became a fan favourite due to his consistency and "bulldog-like" performances in midfield.[16] On 25 April 2013, Spearing was named the Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association (BWSA) Player of the Season.[16] This was followed on 20 May with him being named the club's Player of the Season.[17]

Return to Liverpool

At the conclusion of Bolton's season in the Championship, Spearing returned to Anfield.[18] Although he did not feature in any of the club's remaining fixtures, he was present in the guard of honour for the retiring Jamie Carragher in the last game of the 2012–13 Premier League against Queens Park Rangers.[19]

In July 2013, a £1.75 million bid was submitted by Championship side Blackburn Rovers for Spearing,[20] which Liverpool rejected.[21] Notwithstanding, Blackburn failed to agree terms with Spearing, and the deal fell through.[22][23]

Spearing featured in Liverpool's first pre-season friendly of the summer against Preston North End[24] and was also included in the squad for the club's summer tour.[25] In August 2013, Spearing was told by Liverpool that he was free to leave the club,[26] with Liverpool entering talks with Bolton for a possible transfer back to the Reebok Stadium.[27]

Bolton Wanderers

Spearing (wearing white) playing for Bolton Wanderers against Chelsea in the League Cup, 2014

On 8 August 2013, it was announced that a deal was struck between Liverpool and Bolton subject to a medical on the same afternoon. It was confirmed on the 9 August that Spearing had agreed a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee[28][29][30] and he made his debut the following day in the 1–1 home draw against Reading, in which he received Man of the Match honours.

In September 2013, Spearing was handed the captaincy at Bolton whenever incumbent Zat Knight found himself out of the starting XI, although he retained the armband when Knight returned to the team with both in the starting lineup. On 26 July 2014, the club confirmed that Spearing would succeed Knight as captain.[31]

On 8 August 2015, Spearing was sent off with a second booking in the opening match of the 2015–16 Championship season against Derby County.[32] Spearing's goal on the opening day of the 2016–17 season against Sheffield United won August's Goal of the Month award.[33]

On 8 July 2017 the club confirmed that Spearing had left after failing to agree terms on a new contract.[34]

Blackburn Rovers (loan)

On 30 January 2015, Spearing was loaned to fellow Championship club Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season.[35]

Blackpool

On 4 October 2017, Spearing joined Blackpool until the end of the season.[36] He scored his first goals for Blackpool when he scored twice in a 3-2 win over Bradford City on 8 September 2018.[37]

Career statistics

As of 22 November 2016.
England
Season Club Loan Division League FA Cup League Cup Play-offs Europe Total Discipline
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsA yellow cardA red card
2008–09LiverpoolPremier League 000000––20 20 00
2009–10Premier League 300020––00 50 00
2009–10Leicester CityLoanChampionship 71000020–– 91 00
2010–11LiverpoolPremier League 1100010––80 200 00
2011–12Premier League 1604050–––– 250 11
2012–13Premier League 000000––30 30 00
Liverpool Total 30040800013055011
2012–13Bolton WanderersLoanChampionship 3722000–––– 392 70
2013–14Bolton WanderersChampionship 4521000–––– 462 80
2014–15Championship 2111010–––– 231 40
2014–15Blackburn RoversLoanChampionship 1510010–––– 151 30
2015–16Bolton WanderersChampionship 2221000–––– 232 30
2016–17Bolton WanderersLeague One 1620020–––– 182 60
Bolton Total 1419503000001499280
Career Total 19311901202013022811321

Honours

Spearing (furthest right) with his Liverpool clubmates after winning the 2012 Football League Cup Final

Club

Liverpool

Individual

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 388. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. ↑ "Jay Spearing". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
  3. ↑ "PSV 1 – Liverpool 3: match report". Liverpoolfc.com. 9 December 2008. Retrieved 2014-07-20.
  4. ↑ Hunter, Steve (22 March 2010). "Starlet set for Foxes". www.Liverpoolfc.tv. Liverpool F.C. Archived from the original on 25 March 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
  5. ↑ Shuttleworth, Peter (12 May 2010). "Cardiff 2 – 3 Leicester (agg 3 – 3)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
  6. ↑ "Leicester 4 - 1 Watford". BBC. 17 April 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
  7. ↑ Rice, Jimmy (21 January 2011). "Kenny on derby, owners & Jay". Liverpool F.C. Archived from the original on 19 January 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
  8. ↑ "Jay Spearing earns new Liverpool contract". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 6 May 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
  9. ↑ Spearing gets England call – Liverpool F.C. Archived 14 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  10. ↑ Jordan and Adam numbers set – Liverpool F.C. Archived 11 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
  11. ↑ Wolves eye Jay Spearing loan move « Express & Star
  12. ↑ Sean Bradbury (9 July 2012). "Brendan Rodgers: Jay Spearing has the soul of Liverpool FC in his heart (VIDEO)". liverpoolecho.
  13. ↑ "Spearing leaves on loan". Liverpool F.C. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  14. ↑ "Hull City 3-1 Bolton". 1 September 2012 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  15. ↑ "Bolton 3 Bristol City 2: Late Petrov winner completes stunning Trotters comeback". Daily Mail. London.
  16. 1 2 Marc Iles. "VOTE NOW for your Bolton Wanderers player of the season". The Bolton News. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  17. ↑ "2012/13 BWFC Player of the Season – Jay Spearing". Burnden Aces.
  18. ↑ James Pearce (27 April 2013). "Blood Red: Jay Spearing returns to Melwood". liverpoolecho.
  19. ↑ Mandeep Sanghera. "BBC Sport – Liverpool 1–0 QPR". BBC Sport.
  20. ↑ Alan Nixon (7 July 2013). "Liverpool transfer news: Jay Spearing will be sold to Blackburn for £1.5million – Mirror Online". mirror.
  21. ↑ "Liverpool Agree 拢1.75m Fee With Blackburn Rovers For Midfielder Jay Spearing". caughtoffside.com.
  22. ↑ "BBC Sport – Blackburn Rovers: DJ Campbell faces two-month absence". BBC Sport.
  23. ↑ Alan Nixon (14 July 2013). "Liverpool flop Jay Spearing turns down move to Blackburn – because he wants to return to Bolton – Mirror Online". mirror.
  24. ↑ "Preston v Liverpool – 13th Jul 2013 – Commentary – Friendly Match – Sky Sports Football". skysports.com.
  25. ↑ "Tour 2015". Liverpool FC.
  26. ↑ "Jay Spearing to swap Liverpool for Bolton". eyefootball.
  27. ↑ "BBC Sport – Jay Spearing: Bolton Wanderers move for Liverpool midfielder". BBC Sport.
  28. ↑ Marc Iles. "Wanderers confirm signing of Jay Spearing from Liverpool". The Bolton News.
  29. ↑ "Spearing completes Bolton switch". Liverpool FC.
  30. ↑ BWFC Staff. "Jay's back". bwfc.co.uk.
  31. ↑ @OfficialBWFC. "Jay Spearing officially announced as new club captain". bwfc.co.uk.
  32. ↑ "Bolton and Derby play a draw in the opener". BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  33. 1 2 @OfficialBWFC. "Jay Spearing wins Sky Bet League One's August Goal of the Month award".
  34. ↑ "Jay Spearing leaves Wanderers". Bolton Wanderers Official Site. 8 July 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  35. ↑ "Rovers are delighted to confirm the capture of Bolton Wanderers midfielder Jay Spearing". Rovers. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  36. ↑ "Jay Spearing: Blackpool sign former Bolton Wanderers midfielder". BBC Sport. 4 October 2017.
  37. ↑ "Blackpool 3-2 Bradford". BBC. 8 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  38. ↑ "Liverpool – Cardiff City". LFChistory.net. 26 February 2012.
  39. ↑ "Liverpool – Chelsea". LFChistory.net. 5 May 2012.
  40. ↑ "Voting now open for Player of the Year award". Bolton Wanderers F.C. 21 April 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
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