Brentford fans ‘should be very excited’ about Spencer’s arrival

“He’s as strong as Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha, and excels in out-muscling defenders. Brentford fans should be very excited.”

That is the verdict from Steve Eyre, Huddersfield Town’s youth chief, on James Spencer – the 20-year-old striker the Bees signed on loan from the Yorkshire club this week.

Eyre is full of praise for the youngster, who has been brought in by Brentford boss Uwe Rosler as cover for the injured Farid El Alagui.

A respected coach who nurtured the likes of Onuoha – now with QPR – and Richards while at Manchester City’s academy, Eyre believes Spencer can make an impact at what he calls “a progressive club like Brentford.”

“We are very proud of James here at Huddersfield,” Eyre told West London Sport.

“We have fast-tracked him through the youth ranks because of his tremendous talent and his physical maturity and he has been knocking on the door of the first team for quite some time.

“He’s been unlucky because he’s had Jermaine Beckford, James Vaughan, Lee Novak and Alan Lee to contend with this year – and before that Jordan Rhodes.

“James is far too good to be sat on the bench here so we’ve decided to let him go out on loan and get some really good experience at one of the top sides in League One.”

The move came about partly because Eyre and Rosler are close friends.

They go back to the German’s playing days at City, where Eyre spent 21 years on the coaching staff.

“I speak to Uwe on a weekly basis. We swap opinions, talk about coaching and I hold our friendship very dear,” he explained.

“I’ve also worked with Shaleum Logan before and to help both him and Uwe out whilst progressing James’ career was an ideal opportunity.

“I think every club benefits from a big, strong number nine – and that’s what James is.

“He will look after the ball high up the pitch and hopefully score a few goals along the way.”

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