Spencer Prior

Personalia: Born: 22/4 1971 Birthplace: Rockford Nationality: England (0/0) Height: 6`1" (184cm) Weight: 13st. 0lb (80kg) Position: Central Defender League Appearances: Season: Club: Games: Goals: 1989-1994 Southend United 135 3 1993-1996 Norwich City 74 1 1996-1998 Leicester City 64 0 1998-2000 Derby County 54 1 1999-2000 Manchester City 9 3 2000-2001 Manchester City 21 1 2001- Cardiff City - - Total: 356 9

Spencer Prior completed a £500,000 move from Derby to Manchester City on March 23rd 2000. The 28-year-old had previously turned down moves to Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield and had also attracted interest from Bradford and Scottish side Hearts. But he was delighted with the transfer he eventually landed.

He arrived at Maine Road just short of his 29th birthday having already had a long career of first team soccer. After over 150 games for Southend, he moved up the Divisions to Norwich City and played in their glorious UEFA Cup run in 1993-94. His performances were widely respected and when manager Martin O'Neill moved to Leicester he soon made sure he took his "leader" with him to Filbert Street.

It was an inspired decision as he helped Leicester lft the League Cup in 1997 and into Europe the following season. The shrewd Jim Smith then took him to Derby and installed him as Captain. However, during 1999-00 he found himself in and out of the side and was prepared to drop down a division to join the 'Blue Cause!'

Spencer's premiership campaign started well, but results started to turn against the Blues and he was replaced by Richard Dunne and from there on his appearances were limited. City's subsequent demotion left Spencer surplus to requirements and he moved to join a resurgent Cardiff City in Division Two.

Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no