Club News

Reid relishing right-back rivalry

Defender looks forward to competing with improving Jones

STEVEN Reid has praised fellow right-back Billy Jones ahead of the 2013/14 campaign – insisting he is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with him.

The 32-year-old, who last month signed a new one-year contract, shared full-back responsibilities with the former Preston man at The Hawthorns last term. 

And Reid believes he will again face healthy competition for a starting berth from Jones when the Baggies kick-off their Barclays Premier League season with the visit of Southampton on Saturday, August 17.  

“Over the last couple of seasons we seem to have worked quite well,” said Reid.

“When I’ve been injured Billy has played and vice versa.

“Billy’s done so well since he’s been at the club.

“He has stepped up to the Premier League easily, which is not an easy thing to do.

“I’ve been there and I found it tough in my first year when I went to Blackburn from Millwall.

“It’s a tough league to fit into straight away, which he’s done.

“Last season he was superb.

“Hopefully this season we can both get our games in and both stay as injury-free as possible.

“I’m sure there will be games this season when the gaffer chooses to pick Billy for certain games and me for others.

“I’m sure we’ll both play our part this season and have another successful season as a club.

“Whether you have a bad game or not in the previous match the gaffer tends to pick a team he thinks is going to win on the day.

“I’m sure that will be the same this season and the squad will be used to good effect again.”