Speller was later engaged as a groundsman for Birmingham F.C. On 22 April 1909, Speller went to Cookham to watch the 1909 FA Cup Final at the Crystal Palace. Speller, who was staying with his brother in Cookham, had recently suffered from influenza. According to his brother, Speller appeared "unwell" and weakened by the influenza, but otherwise normal. The following morning, however, Speller was found wandering down one of the main streets of Cookham "brandishing a heavy stake" and threatening a woman and a constable who approached him. According to "The Yorkshire Post",