Baggies boss glad to have right-back's experience to call upon again
STEVE Clarke has tipped Steven Reid to play a big part at The Hawthorns next season after agreeing a new one-year deal this morning.The 32-year-old will continue to battle it out with Billy Jones for the right-back spot as he enters his 11th successive Barclays Premier League campaign.
And Clarke hopes to see more of the former Republic of Ireland international on the pitch after an injury-interrupted 2012/13 season, as he closes in on 400 career appearances.
“I’m delighted Steven has committed himself to the club for another year,” said the Baggies boss.
“He’s a good pro, has bags of Premier League experience and is a great character to have both within the squad and around the training ground.
“If he has better luck with injuries, Steven will have a big part to play here in the new season.”
Albion entered into negotiations with Reid about a new deal for 2013/14 after he fell short of making the number of appearances required to trigger the second year of his previous contract.
Sporting & Technical Director (Designate) Richard Garlick added: “Steven’s a player of proven Premier League pedigree and is a key figure at the club – both on and off the field.
“We’ve been speaking to Steven and his representatives for some time as we needed to reach an agreement that suited both parties – but I’m delighted we’ve managed to achieve that.
“With Steven on board, we again have healthy competition at right-back after Billy Jones enjoyed a progressive season in what was his second year at this level last term.”
In total, Reid has made 71 appearances, including 12 as a sub, for the Baggies, scoring four times.