Breakthrough sees Ross County defender win new deal
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Ross County full back Josh Reid has been rewarded for his start to the season with a new contract.
The 18-year-old broke into the senior side at his hometown club in the summer, making his first team debut in the opening day victory over Motherwell.
He has since become a regular part of the side, making 13 appearances in all competitions at left back and left wing back.
The only Staggies matches he has missed came when he was away with the Scotland Under-19s squad and isolating afterwards – which only serves as another sign of Reid’s progress.
Manager Stuart Kettlewell is delighted with the full back’s ascent into the side, and believes the new contract is just rewards as well as motivation to keep going.
“It’s the simple principle for us of looking to try and increment players’ contracts,” he explained.
“Josh hadn’t kicked a ball for the first team before he signed his contract in the summer.
“We had some simple milestones in that, and he could progress into a better contract if he hit those.
“It’s just my belief on how the game should be, and fortunately enough he got there in the first 14 games, and I think he has shown that he can play at this level.
“It has been a good start for him, but we’re definitely looking for him to kick on and accelerate his progress from the rate it has already been at.”
Reid has slotted in seamlessly to the County defence, alongside players who have years more experience.
Kettlewell thinks these early outings are crucial, but knows Reid has good mentors around him to call on.
“You forget he’s only 18, he has played against some really good opponents already, so it sets him in good stead,” he added.
“He’s got a brilliant pro behind him in Carl Tremarco who I watch speak to him every day to help him along the way, so there are a lot of positives to take from Josh – we just need to keep him grounded to keep him at this level and get even better.”
