Writing in his second column for Fansbookz the New Zealander said: “It’s great having the defensive cover in front of us, and someone who has been key to our season is Alex.
“He stopped with Cameroon meaning we have him during the Africa Cup of Nations, and while no one knows what’s gone on behind the scenes, it’s brilliant to have him at the club.
“Alex is a great guy to have around and he brings a lot of quality into the team. When you’ve played at clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, you have to have a bit of quality to play for those sides.”
To me, the comment is revealing. He mentions that when you play for a side like Arsenal you need a bit of quality. I’m not saying that he wants to go to Arsenal, but I think it points to why he hasn’t signed with us.
I don’t think Reid’s in it for the money, necessarily, which is why our offer of 60k hasn’t been taken. I think he wants to play Champions’ league football. He wants to prove that he also has that bit of quality. At 26, with his contract running out, he is probably thinking that this is the last time he’ll get a chance to move to a club that plays Champions’ league football. If he signs a 4 year deal, or whatever, he’s unlikely to get a chance again at 30.
I think if we can push on in the season and make it to Europe, and with the increased revenue we’ll hopefully see from the OS, which could solidify us as serious contenders for the European slots, he might stick around. However, if we finish outside the top 6, I think we might see him leave for a free in the summer.
I doubt it’s the money, but maybe I’m naive.