Reid relishes senior role at West Brom

West Brom defender Steven Reid has faced his hardest pre-season yet but is excited for his 11th successive Premier League campaign.

The former Republic of Ireland international has been with the club since 2010 and is viewed as a senior member in the club’s squad due to his experience.

At 32, Reid is a seasoned professional used to the rigours of getting in shape ahead of a new season, although he has confessed that the years are catching up with him.

“As you get on a little bit in years pre-season becomes tougher,” said Reid.

“This is the 17th full-time one I’ve done and it does become harder as the years go on.

“For a lot of the older lads in the modern game you sort of tailor your pre-season a little bit.”

Reid joined West Brom after spending seven years with Blackburn, during which time he scored six goals in over 100 appearances.

He penned a new one-year deal at West Brom last month and is hopeful of featuring more regularly this season, having been restricted to just 12 appearances in all competitions last season.

“I knew, having had long chats with him (manager Steve Clarke) towards the end of last season, that he wanted me at the club,” he said.

“I like to think I’m a decent influence in the dressing room and around the training ground.

“He made it clear that if I’m fit I will be getting games in.”