Dingwall native Josh Reid cannot wait to play in front of hometown club Ross County's fans for the first time as 2023/24 League Cup group stages begin
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Ahead of the first day of a new season, there is always excitement – but for Josh Reid there is more than one reason to be looking forward to this afternoon's League Cup opener.
The 21-year-old has had a homecoming this summer, returning to Dingwall after two and-a-half years at Coventry City south of the border.
Going into his first competitive game since returning this afternoon away at Stranraer in the League Cup, it will feel very different for the left-sided defender compared to his first stint at Ross County.
When he left the club in January 2021, no fans were allowed in stadia due to Covid-19 restrictions, and with Reid's move coming just six months after breaking into the first team he has never played for the Staggies in front of friends and family.
As a supporter of the club himself, that is a prospect Reid is absolutely relishing.
"I love this club – it's my club, I live something like five minutes up the road," Reid said.
"I loved my time here before, so it was a no-brainer really.
"It hasn't changed too much, just a wee bit in terms of personnel with the backroom staff. The kit lady and everyone is still here, so the core is still there.
"I haven't actually played in front of any fans here, so it will be good to see them all in the cup soon.
"It will mean a lot to walk out and actually see friends and family in the crowd that haven't got to experience me playing for Ross County in Dingwall."
Reid's time at Coventry covered a key stage of a football player's development.
Leaving at 18 and returning at 21, for many it could have been make or break, and the defender feels he is quite a different player now than he was first time around with the Staggies.
"It's obviously different the way they run things down south compared to up here," Reid explained.
"The experience I've gained from being at Coventry and Stevenage is huge. I feel like I've learned a lot from it, and hopefully I can kick on.
"I'm more knowledgeable about the game now, and definitely physically I'm much better, so I think I'm in a good position going into the start of the season.
"I had a good time here when I was last here and played some of my best football, so hopefully I can get that going again.
"The Scottish Premiership is a league that suits me, and I like the way we're shaping up for the season, so I can't wait to get going again."
