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.”