Reid raring to go
Andy Reid cannot wait to get stuck into life at Charlton.
The Republic of Ireland international midfielder joined up with his new team-mates for the first time today after signing for the Addicks from Tottenham in a four-year deal, which could be worth £3m (€4.4m).
Reid found his recent opportunities limited with Tottenham, having moved there from Nottingham Forest in January 2005 for £4m (€5.9m) in a deal that also brought Michael Dawson to White Hart Lane.
The 24-year-old made only seven starts in his 13 appearances for the north London club last season, and admits the time was right for a change of scene.
“It is a really good move for me,” said Reid.
“I need to be playing football week in, week out and that is the main reason I have come here, to play.
“Obviously there were a lot of players at Tottenham, and the opportunities were not there.
“I have been so impressed with everyone I have spoken to at Charlton and, after being injured, I cannot wait to get out on the training ground and get back into playing games again.”
After speaking to new Addicks boss Iain Dowie, the midfielder decided The Valley was his preferred destination.
He said: “There was interest from some other clubs, but as soon as I came here and spoke to the manager, it said it all really.
“I knew in my mind this was the right place to come.
“The club is moving in the right direction. They have a new manager and have bought a few players.
“I think it is a club who are going places.”
Reid is now on the way back to match fitness following a foot problem, but the Barclays Premiership opener at West Ham on Saturday may come too soon for his Charlton debut.
“I still need a bit of work, having been out for around four and a half weeks now,” he said.
“I am not at peak fitness, so I still need a bit of work, but the more I train and play, the fitter and better I will get.”
Reid added: “Hopefully I can set up a few goals by getting on the ball and creating a few chances.
“I would like to think I can chip in with a few goals as well.”
Dowie has certainly been busy in the transfer market this summer, bringing in nine new faces as he reshapes the Charlton squad following the departure of long-serving manager Alan Curbishley.
The new Addicks boss was more than happy to have landed Reid.
“It has been a long pursuit for me. I would have like to have taken him to Palace when I was there and I have been after him as often as I could,” said Dowie.
“He is a technically gifted footballer who can play off the line, wide and has fantastic piece delivery.
“There is a perception he does not work hard, but I have watched him several times and think he does work very hard.
“If he gets enough of the ball, he is going to make things happen.”
Dowie has few fresh injury concerns ahead of the start of the new campaign.
However, Cristian Bolanos will be unavailable as the Costa Rica winger waits on a work permit.
