Oldham land Coventry star Reid

Oldham Roughyeds have signed Coventry Bears centre Matt Reid on a one-year deal.

The 25-year-old has previously played for North Wales Crusaders but impressed with League 1 outfit Coventry last season and has earned a move closer to home after five years of making trips up to Wrexham and Coventry.

He played over 30 games for the Crusaders, including a number of games in the Championship.

Reid balances his rugby life with being a PE teacher in Warrington and played for Latchford Albion before moving into the professional ranks.

Reid, who is 6ft 4in and 16-stone, becomes the Roughyeds’ sixth new signing ahead of the 2018 campaign.

And Oldham head coach Scott Naylor believes Reid can do a lot of damage in the centres.

He said: “Matt comes highly recommended. I got a phone call signing his praises and we then spoke to a few people and did our homework.

“We got good vibes from every person we spoke to. He had a big season at Coventry this year and played in a few positions but we see him primarily as a centre, which is his favourite position anyway.

“Specialised centre play is dying in the modern game. There are not a lot of them around, so it’s good to come across a young lad who has played a lot in that position and is keen to learn as much about centre play as he can.

“Coming to Oldham will be a step up for him. We’ll teach him everything we possibly can and strive to make him a quality lad.”

And Reid is looking forward to getting started with his new club.

He added: “I can’t wait to get cracking.

“I don’t know any of the Oldham lads so it will be a real fresh start.”