Freedman & Knight issue Spearing rallying cry

Jay Spearing was Bolton Wanderers' most consistent and arguably best player over the course of the 2012/13 season. It really is no surprise that supporters want to see the Liverpool man back at the Reebok Stadium as soon as possible, especially in the wake of Stu Holden's latest injury and Keith Andrews' absent performance at Burnley. Until today, Dougie Freedman has been adamant about Wanderers' inability to afford the player, admitting that Liverpool's valuation would have to come down drastically for the Whites to be able to make a move.

About 2,500 Wanderers supporters travelled to Turf Moor to witness opening day against Burnley. During the match that would ultimately end 1-1, the fans made their voices heard, apparently chanting "we want our Spearing back." The players and manager both heard the cry with the club captain and boss making their voices heard after the match.

Zat Knight commented after the match (picked up by various outlets including the Sun, Star, and Manchester Evening News):

"Jay is a fantastic player and did really well for us last season," said Knight.

"That's what we need. We need a strong squad and if we can get him it would be an added bonus. We have just lost Stuart Holden to injury.

"But if we can get someone of the quality of Jay Spearing then it would be a great addition to the team.

"As players, it's out of our hands. If the club want him then hopefully we can go and get him."

Dougie Freedman reiterated both his, the club's, and the fan's desire to bring Spearing back, speaking to the Bolton News:

"Jay is a fantastic player - our player of the season last year - he's available and we're going to try our very, very best to make it happen.

"We've got Financial Fair Play and I have got a responsibility to this football club. I know they (fans) don't want to hear it, but I have.

"We've done very well with free transfers and if something with Jay comes up and the deal is right for the football club then, yes, we'll be looking at it.

"I need to sit in the technical area making decisions - I can't be in the crowd making decisions, but I'll never forget last year making those decisions and the fans not being that happy.

"Now we are together. Now I have got 2,500 fans understanding exactly what I am trying to do with David Ngog, understanding what Chungy's role is.

"I just feel now that we are a club who are educated in the right way. We are not a pushover. First minute to the last and a few minutes after the fans were behind us singing and I get a good feeling that I can build on."

Jay Spearing spent some time in a Liverpool shirt over the weekend, playing a small part in Steven Gerrard's testimonial match. The midfielder was an 84th minute substitute for Steven Gerrard with Liverpool beating Olympiacos in the friendly by a score of 2-0.