New signing Jordan Spence has arrived at Town at a time when they are at a low ebb following Tuesday’s shattering FA Cup third round replay defeat to non-league Lincoln.

But the former West Ham and MK Dons player is adamant that the Blues’ squad can put their midweek nightmare behind them and build on their recent league form, which has seen them win two of their last three Championship fixtures.

Asked about the current mood in the camp in the wake of the FA Cup knockout, Spence said: “I’ve got a good reaction from coming in here. I hope the rest of the lads are happy to see me.

“There are a few familiar faces, people I’ve known for a little while, and in terms of the atmosphere in the building, the performances and results in the last three league games have been closer to the standard that the team would want, I believe.

“So it is what it is — tough times — but tough times happen and you’ve got to respond. This is football and you’re open to the excitement and praise when it’s going well, as well as the criticism when it’s going badly.

“The boys will be fine, I’m sure. There are some good characters and hopefully I’ll be able to help out in some way.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know this is a very, very good football club with a very good manager and a very good set-up.

“People may have their opinions on what’s been happening previously but it is still a very well established football club. I’m so looking forward to hopefully making my mark.

“A deal through to the end of the season feels like stability after what I’ve been through so at least I’ve got a chance to look through the calendar and make a few plans beyond the following week. Game at a time, week at a time, day at a time — but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m good to go. I enjoyed training this morning [Thursday] and I’ll throw my hat in the ring every time I can get out there in front of the manager.

“I would say my best position is right-back or right wing-back, but I’m more than comfortable playing in the middle of the defence.

“The manager’s used five at the back so I will play wherever I’m asked to play. Every player should say that — it’s the right answer.

“In my mind I’m ready to go now. I’m champing at the bit but we’ll see what the manager thinks and how the team gets on.

“I’m here, I’m part of the squad and I’m under his jurisdiction. When he thinks the time is right to use me I’ll be more than ready.”

Spence said he was always confident he would find the right club. Asked if it ever entered his head to turn his back on football and follow a different career path, he replied: “No. On Saturdays I got to watch quite a few football matches. I travelled across to Brentford a couple of times because that’s one of the closest Championship grounds to where I live.

“I was also at one of the games here and I went to lots of different places just to watch games.

“I’m a student of the game and have been doing it from a very young age. If I wasn’t watching football on a Saturday I was ignoring the fact that it was taking place.

“My wife got a bit more time with me but by the end of it she was most certainly ready for me to get back to work.”

Spence is married to actress Naomi Scott and he added: “She was brilliant throughout my time without a club — when I was a little moody, shall we say, in trying to help me stay focused and keep pushing me on.

“Thankfully, she’s a working actress and you should get to see her in the future because she’s got quite a few things coming up this year.”

Photo: Action Images

BlueySwede added 06:50 - Jan 20 I like what he is saying. Lincoln was really awful, but if we can go on a good run, and put in better performances, I will eventually forgive and forget (maybe). The work starts with Huddersfield on Saturday.
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sir_george_burley added 07:54 - Jan 20 Yes, Blueyswede, I agree. Decent remarks from the new signing — one that we need on that right flank, whether defending or attacking. I like the move to 5-3-2 in the present circumstances. I think frustrated and exasperated fans on this site are sometimes too harsh. Sincil Bank (after the narrow squeak at Portman Road), when paired up with prime-time BBC1, was set up to produce what we saw. I like what Mick's been saying about using the remainder of the season to get some of the younger and the promising in-out fringe players more into the team: it's the right conclusion from what's been happening. I just hope he will stick to it, though he may not if we lose one or two and start to drift too close to the drop zone. You've said what you plan to do, Mick. Stick with it please — we can't bear a return to the teams that we've been seeing. Fans too shouldn't be so scathing about certain players. For example, Digby and Gerkin put in decent performances on Tuesday and are worthy squad members. Let's get another win at Huddersfield — I was there for last time's nail-biter and it was good.

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GiveusaWave added 08:07 - Jan 20 Will prove to be a good addition to the club. Was very happy about this signing.
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parkinshair added 08:31 - Jan 20 Has come across very well in interviews so far and seems a likeable lad. Although he has stalled of late he seems genuinely grateful for the opportunity and in his younger years played at a decent level so obviously has something about him. Better we sign a Spence rather than an old journeyman or a premier league has been after one last pay cheque.
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BrettenhamBlue added 09:51 - Jan 20 Reminds me of Tyrone Mings in his interviews which is a very good thing. Time out sometimes makes players hungrier and I feel very positive this will happen with Spence. Looks fit and raring to go. Can't be easy with his wife in US (I assume) so hopefully the rest of the lads will help him to settle in. Best of luck!
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