Author

Ed Lewis writes

Posted Thursday, June 28th 2018 @EdLewisBCFC

Thank you Bobby

Thursday, June 28th 2018

Everyone at Bristol City would like to thank Bobby Reid and wish him a successful future following his transfer to Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old has passed a medical in South Wales and agreed terms on a four-year contract.

Although disappointed to see the fan favourite depart Ashton Gate, Reid is fully supported in his decision to seek a new opportunity and the club looks forward to seeing him progress in the top flight of English football.

City’s head coach told bcfc.co.uk: “I am naturally saddened with Bobby’s departure but he goes with our best wishes.

“He has been with the club for 18 years and on a personal level, I am proud of his achievements. He is going to play Premier League football and that’s fantastic for him, he deserves it.

“I would like to take this opportunity to give credit to Bobby’s rise, not only to the player, but every coach in the Academy and beyond that’s helped him be the player and person he is today.”

A product of the Academy setup, which he joined at the age of seven, Reid made his first team debut as a substitute in the club’s final game of the 2010/11 season, a 3-0 win over Hull City.

Reid was introduced in the 57th minute for his senior debut

He went out on a short-term loan to Cheltenham Town in the following campaign, but with just a single appearance under his belt, Reid returned to BS3 and continued to shine in the Reserves.

Bristol-born Reid was later handed his first start in league football by Lee Johnson at Oldham Athletic in 2013/14, and after seven appearances at Boundary Park during a youth loan, he made his way back to Ashton Gate for a memorable season finale.

City, who were already preparing for life in League One, travelled to Charlton Athletic and Reid completed 90 minutes - his first first team involvement for almost two years - and netted his first senior goal with a delicate finish - a feeling he would only become too familiar with later in his career!

Reid celebrates his first goal with Albert Adomah

Having worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the off season, Reid broke into the first team in the following campaign, playing 32 times in all competitions, scoring once.

Another loan spell would follow in 2014/15, this time to Plymouth Argyle.

Reid became a popular figure with the Home Park fanbase as his three goals and nine assists helped the Pilgrims reach the League Two play-offs.

Appearances then became more regular with his boyhood club in the following two seasons, which paved the way for his breakthrough campaign in 2017/18.

The Children’s Hospice South West ambassador was converted from a midfielder into a striker and his pre-season hot streak in front of goal continued into the Sky Bet Championship campaign as he notched 20 goals, narrowly missing out on the division’s Golden Boot.

From scoring at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, to celebrating his first career hat-trick, Reid turned heads on more than one occasion, leading to national recognition.

Proudly named in the EFL's and PFA's respective Team of the Year, Reid excelled in the 2017/18 season and his efforts, undoubted ability, role model qualities and overarching success saw him receive the Player of the Year accolade by City supporters, capping off a terrific personal campaign.

Reid has made a total of 158 appearances for the club and we thank him for his contribution and long lasting memories, which have showcased the effectiveness of the club’s Academy system.

Good luck in the future Bobby and you’ll always be welcome back to Ashton Gate.