Inducted to the Newport County Hall of Fame in 2012, Craig Reid is one of twenty-three men to have the honour of being part of the illustrious list.
From 2008 to 2011 and in a second stint in 2017, Reid represented The Exiles 116 times and scored 62 goals. Born in Coventry, Reid built a reputation as a competent goal scorer from a young age and is now plying his trade for Barwell in the Evo-Stick League South, aged 32.
Reid can certainly be described as one of football’s journeymen as he has played for fifteen sides in total. His career began with his hometown club Coventry City, in their youth academies. He was awarded the Young Player of the Year in 2005 and was loaned to Tamworth. Reid was released at the end of the season and struggled to find a new club. Trials with Stockport County, Falkirk and Dundee lead to nothing and it was not until January 2007 that Reid finally found a new permanent home.
Cheltenham Town provided him with an opportunity and he was handed a permanent contract at the end of the season following his five appearances for the club in the previous campaign. He scored his first professional goal the following season, away to Swindon Town in the Football League Trophy. However, he was released by The Robins at the end of the season as he failed to secure a steady place in the side and score enough goals. Reid was again looking for a club and dropped two divisions to the Conference with Grays Athletic. He made three appearances before dropping down a division on loan to Newport County in September 2008. Finally, Reid was allowed time on the pitch and he was rewarded with a permanent transfer in December 2008. By the close of the season he had amassed 21 goals in 31 appearances. The following season was also spent at Spytty Park, where he started the 2009-10 campaign strongly. Two goals in the first two weeks of the season against Chelmsford City and Maidenhead United led into a strong September. Reid was selected as the Conference South Player of the Month after scoring seven goals in five matches.
The 2009-10 season was the perfect blend of personal and team success. Reid was the top goal scorer in the league as he scored 24 goals for the champions Newport and was subsequently rewarded with the title of Conference South Player of the Year. The Ironsides were led by Dean Holdsworth who had helped the team accrue a record breaking 103 points. Reid dedicated his side’s league winning success to his mum Linda who had passed away recently from cancer; ‘This is to you mum, I love you’.
The club were on a high after such a successful season, as well as the prospect of facing rivals Wrexham. Reid’s star performances saw him rewarded with a two-year contract and his career was finally heading in a positive direction. The return to the top-tier of non-league football was met with Reid scoring the club’s first goal of the season. Reid scored braces against Kidderminster Harriers, AFC Wimbledon, Forest Green Rovers and York City. He was in hot form for The Exiles. However, this only meant that his time with non-league Newport was nearing an end. He was attracting attention from a host of suitors, including Premier League outfit Stoke City.
FACT FILE
Date of Birth:
17 December 1985
Place of Birth:
Coventry
Playing Position:
Striker
YOUTH CAREER Coventry City
Ipswich Town
SENIOR CAREER
2004-2006
Coventry City
2006
Tamworth (L)
2007-2008
Cheltenham Town
2008
Grays Athletic
2008
Newport County (L)
2008-2011
Newport County
2011-2012
Stevenage
2012-2013
Aldershot Town
2013-2014
Southend United
2014
Stevenage
2014-2015
Kidderminster Harriers
2015
Brentwood Town
2015-2016
Lincoln City
2016
Gainsborough Trinity
2016-2017
Gloucester City
2017
Newport County
2017-2018
Coventry United
2018-
Barwell
Newport were flying in the Conference and were lying in the play-offs until their two stars were poached from the club. Dean Holdsworth had his head was turned by League Two side Aldershot Town. Reid too was lured away by the prospect of league football at Stevenage. Both could have been the key part of a Newport side that look well set to deliver back-to-back promotion. Newport failed to secure promotion that season.
Reid’s Stevenage side were promoted to League One after defeating Torquay in the play-off final. Reid later dropped back into League Two with Dean Holdsworth at Aldershot Town where they were relegated that season. This saw a return to Reid’s club hopping alike earlier in his career, seven teams in four years paved the way for a return to Newport in 2017.
This second spell was short lived, nevertheless Reid was thrilled to return; ‘I am delighted to confirm I have signed a new contract back at Newport County FC, the club I enjoyed so much success with and I was very grateful when they inducted me to their hall of fame’. He had been training with the club before the deal was made permanent. Reid only made ten appearances in his second spell and failed to score. He was released at the end of the 2016-17 season and has since represented Coventry United and Barwell.
Reid had struggled to secure a solid run of games throughout his career, Newport provided him with an opportunity to showcase his skills. Under Holdsworth, Newport delivered some of the best football The Exiles’ supporters have been lucky enough to witness. Unfortunately for the supporters, both men’s heads were turned by higher league sides and the core of the successful Newport team was lost. Had both men stayed put it is fair to assume they had a real chance of promotion to League Two, and perhaps Reid owed more time to the fans. Nevertheless, Reid is remembered fondly at Newport and he was a pivotal part of a great season that will never be forgotten.
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