Reid hoping for extended Albion stay

27 May 2010 17:45
Utility man looks to end career at The Hawthorns Steven Reid has admitted he’d like to finish his career with the Baggies after signing on a free transfer.  The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international turned down a number of clubs to sign for Albion and hopes to maintain his long association with clubs.  Reid, who spent six seasons at Milwall before joining Blackburn in 2003, has already stated his intention to finish his career in the Black Country after penning a two year deal, plus a year in the club’s favour.  "The clubs I've been at will say I'm a professional lad and go about my business in a professional way," said Reid. "I'm not going to try and get a move every season or every transfer window. "I'm probably seeing this as my last move now and hopefully I can see it through to my mid-30s or whatever happens. "I'm not looking at this as a stepping stone. "This is me for the foreseeable future and I'm glad to be a part of it. "It's not been ideal what has been going on over the last few weeks. "It's nice to get something finally done and I can look forward to the rest of the summer break. "And I'm obviously looking forward to getting going in pre-season on July 3. "It's been an exciting time as well as being a little bit stressful. "It's interfered with my family holiday and bits and pieces. "It's the first time in my career that I've been a free agent in the summer. "When you become a free agent you're going to have interest from clubs. "But I'm just glad everything has been resolved." The utility man, who can play either at right-back or in central midfield, realises the task ahead of Albion next season but insists there’s no reason why the Baggies can’t survive in the Premier League next term. "There's no reason why we can't not just look to 17th, with the players we've got, and do better than that," he insisted. "If I felt the club wasn't going in the right direction I wouldn't be signing. "I've got full faith in the squad, the coaching staff, the medical team as well. "It's a great set-up and I love being a part of it. "I've made the decision and I'm delighted I did. "I'm not bothered where I play next season. "I knew when I signed on loan there was a chance I'd be playing right-back or centre-midfield. "I'll play wherever the head coach sees fit and hopefully I can bring a bit of Premier League experience to the squad. "Maybe the head coach will look to make one or two more additions with more experience. "I've got full faith in the squad. "They're a great set of lads and I see good things in the future."

Source: FOOTYMAD