Richie Wellens’ awareness of new recruit Tyler Reid goes all the way back to the full-back’s time with Manchester United as an academy starlet.
Swindon boss, Wellens helped to coach the now-21-year-old as he progressed up the Carrington ranks alongside, among others, Marcus Rashford.
Talking about his latest acquisition, the Mancunian manager remembered his first impressions of Reid.
“Two and a half years ago I went into Man United to learn and help coach their youth team at the time and they had a group of four or five players – Marcus Rashford being one who has gone on to hit really good heights.
“Tyler was in that group and he was one who people thought really highly of. He then got a move to Swansea and for one reason or another, he’s not been able to get into Swansea’s first-team. Roberts is a very good right-back and so is Kyle Naughton so the pathway hasn’t been there for him.”
Reid’s progression through to first-team football was halted slightly after his move to Swansea – with two experienced professionals ahead of him in the pecking order.
The hunger that has given the 21-year-old, and the desire for first-team football, was a key factor in swift negotiations to sign for the Town.
“We need to develop him and give him an opportunity to play week-in-week-out. I think he’s got the attributes to be a really good player at this level and the level above.
“He’s a good lad. The negotiations lasted about 45 minutes – it was a text from me to Paul Jewell, from Paul Jewell to the agent, it was done. It showed me that the lad wanted to get on with his career and get playing.
“It’s a two-year deal, not a loan – so it helps us straight away. He’s a big lad, physically ready to handle the level and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
