REUBEN Reid is ruing the lack of impact he was able to have on Argyle's 2015-16 season, which ended in heartbreak at the hands of AFC Wimbledon.
Goals from Lyle Taylor and Adebayo Akinfenwa in the Sky Bet League 2 play-off final gave the Dons victory at Wembley Stadium, ending Argyle's hopes of promotion in agonising fashion.
Reid came on as late substitute in the game, making his first appearance since he was forced to withdraw against Leyton Orient in April. The striker's entire campaign has been hampered by a recurring foot injury, paying the price for his own eagerness to help out the team.
"Obviously it's no secret: my season's been a write-off from the start," said Reid. "I had surgery in the summer on my foot and all season I've been playing catch-up.
"I'm experienced enough now that I won't let that happen again. I was trying to do pre-season, expecting my body to cope with it. Everyone knows how important pre-season is, and for me to come back straight after surgery without prepping for the pre-season; I've been playing catch-up the whole season.
"I've ended up picking up strains because I've not been prepared for the regime we've got at Plymouth which, by the way, has got us to this position - flat-out hard work all the time. It's through no fault of myself or the staff - it's just been bad luck. I probably should've taken a month extra off and got my body conditioned for it.
"After seeing all the players improving - you had Ryan Brunt coming back in, new signings, a new manager - you as a player want to come back in, and you basically want to be at the forefront and get in that side. It started off well but, eventually, it's caught up with me.
"I think the best thing for my body now is having a good break, go on holiday and recharge the batteries, and see if I can come back from this one."
Understandably, supporters will want to know if Reid will still be an Argyle player when he returns from that break. Many factors will play a part in that decision but, in Reuben's mind, the chance to continue plying his trade in front of the Green Army is one he relishes.
"Have you seen how these guys treat me?" said Reid. "What footballer wouldn't like playing for Plymouth Argyle when they sing your name like that?
"Obviously you will get the ones who will go against the grain, but how good is it when they shout your name? And look at that following we had [at Wembley]; no League 2 team's going to do that like us."
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Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:59 am
