Fighting fit

ON THE BURST: Athletic striker Reuben Reid surges past Anton Robinson of Huddersfield during the1-1 draw at Boundary Park on Saturday.

REUBEN Reid is a completely different player to the one Athletic had last season — according to the man himself.

The 23-year-old striker, who has already netted four times from the penalty spot, has impressed both the club's coaching staff and fans thanks to a change of approach.

Fitness was a major concern for Reid last time out. The Bristol-born forward is a leaner and meaner prospect in 2011-12, though, his work ethic delighting the club's coaching staff and helping secure a regular starting place.

"Looking at the contrast between what I am now, as compared to last season, I would go as far as to say there is a 70-per-cent difference," said Reid, a previously nomadic character who is already on to his 11th club in only five years as a professional.

"It is about living right and having a good pre-season. I have changed a lot of things.

"In my own mind I know I struggled at times last year and wasn't prepared to come back and do the same.

"So I have gone away and sorted myself out.

"I haven't got anything to hide about it. Last year, I effectively couldn't run. After I had done anything explosive on the pitch, I was really blowing.

"This year I am a lot fitter and am able to do what I do.

"If you have it in you to take players on repeatedly, doing the job you are out there on the pitch to do, it bodes well for your overall confidence."

Having already doubled the goal tally he managed in half a season with Athletic in 2010-11 following his arrival from West Brom, Reid hopes that his partnership with new striker Shefki Kuqi will prove to be profitable.

Certainly, he is appreciative of the overall beneficial impact that the experienced 34-year-old has brought to the club after arriving a week ago.

"Of course, Shefki is an experienced player so it will help me from a personal point of view as well as the team," added Reid.

"Even if he doesn't trap another ball between now and the end of the season, he is one of those signings where everyone looks at him and knows he will help them because of what he has done in the game.

"He will be good for us as a result of his experience and know-how. Saying that, I believe he will score goals as well.

"It is an astute signing. He is someone who knows the game up there and who can do the horrible stuff and get hold of the ball as well as providing a goal threat."


MATT Smith will play for Lee Duxbury's reserves side today as they face Wrexham in the Central League West Division.
The forward lines up with fellow first-team squad members David Mellor, James Tarkowski, Connor Hughes, Ryan Brooke and Kirk Millar.

Reserves (from): Connor, Jones, Mellor, Burns, Carr, Tarkowski, Hughes, Fitzgerald, Smith, Brooke, Millar, Parkes, Simpson, Riley, Laird, Belezika.

The match takes place at the Racecourse Ground and starts at 2pm.



CARL Winchester played 90 minutes for Northern Ireland's Under-21s as they lost 3-0 at home to Denmark in the UEFA Championship qualifiers.
It was a second defeat in a week for Steve Beaglehole's side, who lost despite their opponents being reduced to 10 men after 42 minutes as a result of a red card for Mathias Jorgensen.