Reid returns to Gloucester

MIDFIELDER Jamie Reid has rejoined Gloucester City from Cirencester Town.

The 21-year-old has given up the captaincy at the Tigers' Corinium Stadium landlords to rejoin the club he left just 18 months ago.

Reid made 92 starts for The Tigers in a four-year spell with the club after making his debut in 2004.

He said deciding to swap the red and black stripes of Cirencester for the yellow and black of Gloucester was the hardest decision he had made in his career.

"I spent a lot of time thinking about this," he said.

"Last season was bittersweet for me, seeing Gloucester do so well after I left. I was chuffed for them to be promoted and now I am glad to be back."

But he said he would still be keeping an eye on Cirencester and wished Brian Hughes and Kevin Willets well with their promotion push.

He said: "It has been a privilege working for them."

After training with the Gloucester squad on Tuesday Reid said he already felt at home at his old team.

"There were a few new faces and I have not met some of the Bristol boys yet but it is mainly the same faces and the same team spirit," he said.

Reid has missed large chunks of the season through injury and suspension and his last appearance came against Thatcham in the Centurions last league match back on December 12.

Tigers boss Dave Mehew said Reid now had the chance to prove himself in the Blue Square North after missing out on the Tigers' promotion push last year.

He said: "Jamie is a Gloucester lad and I think I will be able to get more from him because he is local.

"I am giving him three months to prove himself and show me he is worth it for next season."

Mehew said Reid could do a job at right back and on the right wing but he wanted him to concentrate on playing in the centre of midfield, providing cover for Tom Webb and Matt Rose.

He is also hoping Reid finds the net again, his goal against Tiverton in the 2006/7 season still stands as a fans' favourite.

"It suits me all round," said Mehew. "With James Palmer needing a hernia operation and Alex Sykes and Sean Seavill no longer being here I had to bring a midfielder in and he fits the bill.

"Jamie already knows the lads so he won't need time to settle in.

"When he left last season I did feel sorry for him because he didn't really have the chance to prove himself after getting injured pre-season.

"If he can perform as I know he can he will become a valuable member of this squad."

During his last spell with the Tigers Reid became known for his temper and he has already sat out several games for Cirencester through suspension this season but Mehew believe's the youngster's physicality will be a boost in the Blue Square North.

He said: "He is 18-months older than when he left us and I want to see a more grown up Jamie Reid.

"If he can mature like Tom Webb and Lee Smith and take inspiration from them he will become a good player.

"Jamie has a great physical presence which you need in this league. We could have brought in a player the fans did not know and might not have taken too but we have chosen James and now he has the chance to prove himself."