Winston Reid
Winston Reid has spoken of his respect and admiration of West Ham United after the defender ended his 11-year association with the club on Tuesday. The club confirmed that a mutual agreement had been reached that would terminate Reid’s contract and allow the centre-back to pursue footballing opportunities elsewhere. The 33-year-old made 222 appearances for the Hammers after signing from Midtjylland in the summer of 2010 but spent over a year on loan between February 2020 and May 2021, signing first for Sporting Kansas and then Brentford, where he won a second promotion from the Championship. In a statement released on Tuesday, Reid paid tribute to the West Ham fans and the club itself.
Winston Reid said: “I have a lot of respect for the Club, and we’ve found an agreement that’s good for everyone involved. I came here in 2010 and have just enjoyed so much of playing for the Club. It’s been a special time. I’ve always felt that the fans have supported me, and I’ve always tried to give my best for them. At the end of the day, when you’re a footballer, that’s what you enjoy the most, going out there and playing in front of a lot of fans. Over the years, that’s also what I’ve enjoyed the most: playing for your fans, for your teammates, for your coaches and for your family. I just want to say ‘thank you’ and I wish you all the best for the future.”
West Ham were relegated to the Championship in Reid’s first season with the club but he proved pivotal in their return under Sam Allardyce, playing 28 times in the second tier and scoring three goals as the Hammers were promoted via the play-offs. But his headed winner in a 3-2 win against Manchester United is the memory that will live longest in the memories of fans, ensuring the club’s final match at Upton Park was a success. While Reid will no doubt be sad to leave the club he has spent the majority of his career he does so knowing they are in the best place they have been for a while under David Moyes.
Winston Reid added: “You get older and you get wiser, but in general, not just myself, but also the Club, are moving forward in a good direction. As long as, as a player, you try and do your best and give everything you can, the fans here have always appreciated it. I’ve always appreciated playing here and giving my all for the Club, and I’ll always remember it fondly.”
