Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Steven Reid ready to fight for place
Tuesday 21st June 2011, 2:30PM BST.
Steven Reid is ready for the challenge of new signing Billy Jones as Albion beef up competition for places at the Hawthorns next season.
The 30-year-old is preparing for his ninth season of Premier League football with the newcomer from Preston presenting the most obvious threat to the right-back starting position he reclaimed last season.
Reid benefitted from the change of management, as boss Roy Hodgson preferred Reid to Gonzalo Jara who had been the first pick for previous head coach Roberto Di Matteo.
But now the signing of Jones brings a new threat to Reid’s first-team place and the former Blackburn defender is ready for the challenge.
Reid said: “I’ve spoken to a few lads throughout the summer and they’ve mentioned what a good player Billy is.
“It will be good competition for places and I’m looking forward to the season ahead. I was pleased with the way I finished the season and hopefully I can continue that in pre-season and be a major part of the plans under the gaffer.
“I was a bit disappointed last season that I didn’t play more, especially in the run that we had when we weren’t getting results.
“Hopefully I can start more league games next season and be a major influence, whether that’s at right-back or slotting in for the odd game at central midfield.
“I’d just be delighted to be out there a bit more.”
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