For the 2011–12 season, Spearing wore the number 20, with his old number 26 being registered to new arrival Charlie Adam.
Spearing immediately fell down the pecking order in Liverpool's midfield after the arrival of midfielders Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing.
On 20 July 2011, it was widely reported that Spearing would consider an option to move to Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, but the club rejected their approach, stating that Spearing was in their plans.
Spearing later dismissed the rumour saying he was willing to fight for his place in the starting eleven.

He made his first start of the season against Exeter City in the League Cup on 24 August 2011.
The result ended in a 3–1 victory for Liverpool.

He was sent off for the first time in his professional career during Liverpool's 1–0 loss to Fulham on 5 December.
For the 2011–12 season, Spearing wore the number 20, with his old number 26 being registered to new arrival Charlie Adam. Spearing immediately fell down the pecking order in Liverpool's midfield after the arrival of midfielders Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing. On 20 July 2011, it was widely reported that Spearing would consider an option to move to Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, but the club rejected their approach, stating that Spearing was in their plans. Spearing later dismissed the rumour saying he was willing to fight for his place in the starting eleven.
He made his first start of the season against Exeter City in the League Cup on 24 August 2011. The result ended in a 3–1 victory for Liverpool.
He was sent off for the first time in his professional career during Liverpool's 1–0 loss to Fulham on 5 December.
Jay Spearing