Melbourne Heart FC recruit Paul Reid has praised the Club’s professionalism after signing on a short-term contract earlier in the week.
Melbourne Heart FC recruit Paul Reid has praised the Club-s professionalism after signing on a short-term contract earlier in the week.
Reid commenced training on Tuesday with a view to providing midfield cover ahead of February, with Heart likely to lose a full quota of three players to Olyroo duty.
While the two-time Socceroo has spent barely a week at the Club, he was struck by the slick operation of Heart-s football department, praising its approach.
“I must admit, from the first few days I-ve spent here, it-s a very professional club,” he said.
“They-ve dealt with my situation really well. They obviously understand I haven-t played in quite a while. I-ve been keeping myself fit, but the physios and strength and conditioning coach have been really good.
“I-m looking to play a game as soon as possible, but first and foremost, I need to get match fit. That will hopefully start on Sunday with the youth team.”
With the injury to club captain Fred compounding growing concern over player availability throughout the coming weeks, as the likes of Aziz Behich, Mate Dugandzic and Jason Hoffman appear earmarked for youth international selection, Reid-s arrival comes at the perfect time.
The experience and nous which saw him feature heavily in Adelaide United-s run to the 2008 AFC Champions League final will likely prompt head coach John van ‘t Schip to call upon Reid-s services sooner rather later.
However, Reid acknowledged he will need to build his match fitness through the National Youth League before entertaining any visions of first team football.
“They initially contacted me about (signing for the Club) a week and a half ago,” he said.
“I came down to the Club on Tuesday for my first training session with the team and I-m delighted to be here. The team is in third place, performing well this season, and hopefully I can get some game time in the weeks ahead.”
