Reuben Reid
Reuben James Reid (born 26 July 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Weymouth in the Southern Football League Premier Division South.[1] Standing at 1.83 metres and right-footed, he has built a career spanning over two decades in English football, primarily in the lower tiers of the Football League and non-league divisions.[2] Reid began his professional journey as a trainee at Plymouth Argyle, where he made his senior debut in April 2006 at the age of 17.[3] After early loan spells to clubs such as Rochdale, Kidderminster Harriers, and Torquay United, he gained prominence during a prolific 2008–09 season with Rotherham United in League Two, scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances.[2] Subsequent moves included brief stints at West Bromwich Albion and Peterborough United in the Championship, followed by consistent performances at Walsall and Oldham Athletic, where he continued to find the net regularly in League One and Two.[3] Reid returned to Plymouth Argyle on loan in 2013, becoming a key figure with 17 league goals that season and a total of 21 goals across all competitions, marking the first time an Argyle striker had exceeded 20 goals in a campaign since 1988–89.[4] He made the move permanent in 2014, adding another 18 league goals in 2014–15.[2] Later career highlights include scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances for Exeter City between 2016 and 2018, and contributing 19 goals during his time at Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town.[3] After rejoining Yeovil Town in the National League, Reid transitioned to non-league football full-time, signing with Weston-super-Mare in June 2022, where he played a pivotal role in their 2022–23 Southern League Premier Division South title win with 22 goals in 30 appearances.[5] In July 2025, he joined Weymouth on a one-year contract, continuing his journeyman career at age 37.[1] Over his career, Reid has amassed 536 appearances and 161 goals in domestic leagues alone.[2]Early life
Family and upbringing
Reuben James Reid was born on 26 July 1988 in Bristol, England.[1] He grew up in the Horfield area of Bristol, on a road adjoining the Memorial Stadium, home of Bristol Rovers, which provided an early urban environment immersed in local football culture.[6] Reid's family played a key role in his early athletic development; his father influenced his sports skills by regularly practicing with him using both cricket balls and footballs, fostering a foundational exposure to football from a young age.[6] He also has older brothers who pursued education at Filton College in Bristol.[6] As a youth, Reid shared a family interest in cricket, excelling as a promising top-order batsman who nearly debuted for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club at age 15 before focusing on football.[6][7]Education and youth sports
Reid attended Fairfield Grammar School in Bristol during his early education.[6] He initially planned to continue his studies at Filton College, following in the footsteps of his older brothers.[6] As a youth, Reid showed significant promise in cricket, emerging as a top-order batsman. He received a scholarship to Millfield School from Gloucestershire County Cricket Club coach Simon Hinks and nearly made his first-team debut for the county at age 15.[6] Reid played for Gloucestershire's Second XI in the Second Eleven Championship in 2003 and the Second Eleven Trophy in 2004.[8] Cricket held a deeper personal passion for him than football during this period, as he later reflected: "I’m a cricketer more than a footballer... cricket is my passion."[9] Reid's initial involvement in football came through school and local youth setups, where he treated the sport as a winter activity alongside cricket. His performances, including scoring twice in the Independent Schools Football Association final for Millfield, attracted attention from professional clubs.[6] This led to trials with Manchester United—where he trained and competed in the Milk Cup in Dublin—along with Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers, and Crystal Palace, ultimately resulting in his joining Plymouth Argyle's youth academy early in the 2005–06 season at age 17.[6]Club career
Plymouth Argyle (2006–2008)
Reuben Reid, a product of Plymouth Argyle's youth academy, signed his first professional contract with the club in February 2006 at the age of 17, following impressive performances in the youth ranks.[10][6] Reid made his senior debut for Plymouth Argyle on 30 April 2006, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 home Championship victory over Ipswich Town under manager Tony Pulis.[11][4] Over the next two seasons, he accumulated just 7 league appearances without scoring, primarily as a substitute, while the team competed in the competitive Championship division.[12][13] Despite high regard from incoming manager Ian Holloway, who gave Reid his first full start in August 2007 against Doncaster Rovers, the young striker faced significant challenges breaking into the first team due to intense competition for forward positions and the squad's established attacking options.[4][11] This limited playing time prompted Reid to seek loan opportunities elsewhere to gain valuable senior experience and develop his game.[13][12]Loan spells from Plymouth Argyle (2006–2008)
Reuben Reid's limited opportunities in Plymouth Argyle's first team during the 2006–2008 period prompted a series of loan moves to lower-tier clubs, providing him with essential senior football experience in League Two and the Conference National.[14] In October 2006, Reid joined Kidderminster Harriers on a one-month loan, which Plymouth initially extended, but he was recalled early after receiving a red card.[15][16] During his time at the Conference National side, he made 6 appearances and scored 2 goals.[3] Reid's next loan came in January 2007 to Rochdale in League Two, intended to last until the end of the season but terminated after just over a week due to disciplinary issues upon his return to Plymouth.[17] He featured in 2 appearances without scoring.[3] Later that year, in March 2007, Reid moved to Torquay United on loan until the end of the 2006–07 season, bolstering their League Two attack.[18] He recorded 7 appearances and 2 goals during this spell.[3] The following season, Reid was loaned to Wycombe Wanderers in August 2007 on an initial season-long deal, though it ended prematurely in December after failing to secure a regular role.[19] In League Two, he made 11 appearances and netted 1 goal.[3] Reid's final loan from Plymouth came in February 2008 to Brentford in League Two for three months, where he struggled to make a significant impact and was released early in April.[20][21] He appeared in 10 matches, scoring 1 goal.[3] Across these loans, totaling 46 appearances and 8 goals primarily in competitive lower-league environments, Reid gained valuable match fitness and tactical awareness, aiding his transition from youth to senior professional football despite inconsistent playing time.[3][14]Rotherham United (2008–2009)
In July 2008, following the expiration of his contract at Plymouth Argyle and after impressing on trial with a goal in a pre-season friendly against Scunthorpe United, Reuben Reid signed a two-year deal with Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee.[6][22] The move came after a series of loan spells at lower-league clubs that had helped build his confidence and experience as a forward.[6] During the 2008–09 League Two season, Reid established himself as a key attacking option for Rotherham, making 41 league appearances and scoring 18 goals.[23] Often deployed on the right wing in a front three alongside experienced teammates, he contributed significantly to the team's attacking play, adding four assists and forming productive partnerships that enhanced Rotherham's forward line.[23][6] Reid's goal-scoring form played a pivotal role in Rotherham's promotion push, as the club amassed 75 points from their matches but suffered a 17-point deduction for financial irregularities, ultimately finishing 14th—11 points shy of the play-offs.[6] His emergence as a prolific striker during this breakthrough season highlighted his pace, finishing ability, and determination, marking his transition to a reliable first-team presence in the Football League.[6]West Bromwich Albion (2009–2011)
Reuben Reid transferred to West Bromwich Albion from Rotherham United on 1 August 2009, signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[24] His impressive goal-scoring record of 18 goals in League Two the previous season had drawn interest from several clubs, culminating in this move to the ambitious Championship side managed by Roberto Di Matteo.[24] Despite the step up in competition, Reid struggled to earn a regular place in the first team. In the 2009–10 Championship season, he made only four league appearances without scoring a goal, primarily coming off the bench.[2] Nevertheless, he was part of the West Brom squad that secured the league title with 91 points from 46 matches, earning promotion to the Premier League after finishing second behind Newcastle United. The 2010–11 season brought even fewer opportunities, with Reid failing to make any league appearances for West Brom in the top flight as the club battled relegation.[2] His marginal role at The Hawthorns over the two-year spell—totaling just four league outings and no goals—highlighted the challenges of adapting to higher-level football, ultimately prompting loan moves to gain match experience elsewhere.[25]Loan spells from West Bromwich Albion (2010–2011)
In January 2010, facing limited first-team opportunities at West Bromwich Albion, Reid joined League One side Peterborough United on a three-month loan to gain regular playing time.[26] He made 13 appearances across all competitions during his spell, primarily as a substitute in league matches, but failed to score any goals.[3] Reid featured in a forward role, often supporting the main striker, though the team struggled with form, winning only two of his appearances and suffering relegation to League One at the season's end.[26] Later that year, on 19 August 2010, Reid moved on a five-month loan to another League One club, Walsall, where manager Chris Hutchings sought to bolster the attack with a "young, hungry player."[27] He enjoyed a more productive stint, scoring six goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, including three in league play and additional strikes in the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy.[3] Reid debuted impressively with a winning goal against Plymouth Argyle, earning man-of-the-match honors, and primarily operated as a central striker, contributing to Walsall's improved early-season form with physical presence and hold-up play.[28] However, later reports highlighted challenges in maintaining consistency, as Hutchings urged him to prove his potential beyond reputation.[29] These loans provided Reid with valuable experience in the competitive demands of League One, exposing him to tactical roles as a target forward amid physical battles and high pressing, though his modest goal return at Peterborough underscored adaptation struggles to the division's intensity. The mixed outcomes, combined with ongoing limited prospects at West Brom, influenced his development by emphasizing the need for regular starts, ultimately prompting a permanent departure in search of consistent opportunities.[30]Oldham Athletic (2011–2012)
Reuben Reid joined Oldham Athletic on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion on 28 January 2011, signing an initial contract until the end of the 2010–11 season with an option for extension.[31] The club exercised this option, and Reid agreed to a new one-year deal ahead of the 2011–12 campaign, marking his first permanent move following a series of loans. This signing provided Oldham with a consistent forward option in League One, where the team aimed to avoid relegation after finishing 18th the previous season. In the 2011–12 League One season, Reid established himself as a regular starter, making 39 league appearances and scoring 7 goals.[4] His contributions were vital to Oldham's mid-table finish of 17th place with 52 points, securing survival with a seven-point buffer from the relegation zone.[32] Reid's experience from prior loan spells at clubs like Walsall and Plymouth Argyle aided his quick adaptation to consistent first-team duties. Reid opened his account for the season with a penalty in Oldham's 2–0 victory over Rochdale on 20 August 2011, setting a positive tone for the campaign. He followed this with another penalty goal in a 4–1 defeat to Colchester United a week later, demonstrating his composure from the spot despite the result. Later in the season, his late penalty in a 3–1 loss to Yeovil Town on 10 December 2011 highlighted his importance in tight contests.[33] A key aspect of Reid's impact was his partnership with fellow striker Robbie Simpson, with the duo combining for regular starts and contributing 13 goals between them across all competitions.[34] This forward line provided Oldham with a balanced attacking threat, supporting the team's defensive solidity under manager Paul Dickov and helping maintain consistency throughout a challenging season.[32]Yeovil Town (2012–2014)
Reuben Reid joined Yeovil Town on a free transfer from Oldham Athletic, signing a two-year contract that took effect on 1 July 2012, allowing him to move closer to his Bristol home.[35] In the 2012–13 League One season, Reid made 19 league appearances for Yeovil, starting 7 matches and scoring 4 goals while accumulating 852 minutes on the pitch.[2] His contributions as a squad player helped the team finish fourth in the table and secure promotion to the Championship through the play-offs, defeating Sheffield United in the semi-finals and Brentford 2–1 in the final at Wembley Stadium.[2][36] However, Reid struggled for consistent starts amid competition from forwards such as Paddy Madden and James Hayter, prompting him to seek loan opportunities for regular game time during the latter part of the 2012–13 campaign.[37] Following Yeovil's promotion, the step up to the Championship intensified the battle for places with new signings and established players, leading Reid to pursue further loans in the 2013–14 season to maintain his development and match fitness.[37] He made no league appearances for Yeovil that year before being released at the end of his contract in May 2014.[2][38]Plymouth Argyle (loans and permanent return, 2013–2016)
In January 2013, amid limited playing time at Yeovil Town, Reuben Reid returned to Plymouth Argyle on a one-month loan.[39] The deal was extended for an additional month in March and then until the end of the 2012–13 season, during which he made 18 appearances and scored 2 goals in League Two.[39][2] Reid rejoined Plymouth on a season-long loan from Yeovil in June 2013.[40] In the 2013–14 campaign, he emerged as a key attacking threat, scoring 17 goals in 46 league appearances and totaling 21 goals across all competitions—the first Plymouth striker to reach 20 goals in a season since 1988–89.[2][41][4] His prolific form earned him the Plymouth Argyle Player of the Season award for 2013–14, as voted by fans. Following the successful loan, Reid signed a permanent two-year contract with Plymouth in June 2014.[42] During the 2014–15 season, he continued his strong scoring record with 18 league goals in 42 appearances, contributing to a total of 20 goals including cup ties, and was selected for the PFA League Two Team of the Year.[2][43][41] Plymouth finished seventh in League Two, narrowly missing the play-offs, with Reid playing a pivotal role in their promotion push.[41] In the 2015–16 season, Reid featured in 29 league matches, scoring 7 goals, as Plymouth reached the League Two play-off final but lost 2–0 to AFC Wimbledon.[2][44] Over his permanent spell from 2014 to 2016, he made 71 league appearances and scored 25 goals, revitalizing his career at his former club.[2]Exeter City (2016–2018)
Reuben Reid signed for Exeter City on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle on 13 September 2016, becoming a free agent after his contract with the Devon rivals expired at the end of the previous season.[41] Following a prolific return to Plymouth where he netted 24 goals in 70 appearances across all competitions, Reid quickly integrated into the Exeter squad under manager Paul Tisdale, providing an immediate attacking threat in League Two. Over his 17-month spell at Exeter, Reid demonstrated consistent league form, making 57 appearances in EFL League Two and scoring 20 goals across the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons.[2] In his debut season (2016–17), he netted 13 league goals, including a brace in a 3–0 home win over Cheltenham Town and the winner in a 2–1 victory at Mansfield Town, helping Exeter finish fifth and reach the play-off semi-finals.[45] The following campaign (2017–18), he added seven more league strikes in 21 outings before his mid-season departure, with standout performances such as a double in a 4–3 away win against Cheltenham Town and two goals in a 3–1 triumph at Forest Green Rovers.[46] Reid's physical presence and finishing ability made him a focal point of Exeter's attack, contributing to several key results in their push for promotion contention. Reid also registered notable contributions in cup competitions, scoring once in the FA Cup during a first-round home defeat to Luton Town in November 2016.[45] In total, he appeared in eight cup ties for Exeter, adding two goals overall across all competitions in 68 outings.[47] Reid left Exeter City in January 2018, transferring to Forest Green Rovers for an undisclosed fee after scoring 22 goals in 68 appearances for the Grecians.[48]Forest Green Rovers (2018–2019)
Reid joined Forest Green Rovers on 5 January 2018, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract from fellow League Two club Exeter City for an undisclosed fee.[48] He made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal on his debut in a 1–0 victory over Crewe Alexandra three days later.[49] The move came midway through Forest Green Rovers' inaugural season in the Football League following their promotion from the National League the previous year, with the club struggling near the relegation zone at the time.[6] During his 18 months at the club, Reid made 40 league appearances and scored 13 goals in League Two, along with 4 appearances in domestic cups without scoring.[3] In the 2018–19 season specifically, he featured in 29 league matches, netting 7 goals and providing 2 assists, often partnering with the prolific Christian Doidge up front.[50] His goal-scoring helped stabilize the attack, including a key assist for Doidge in a local derby win against Cheltenham Town.[6] Reid played a significant role in Forest Green Rovers' improved form during the 2018–19 campaign, finishing seventh in League Two and qualifying for the promotion play-offs.[51] As the team's top scorer during an unbeaten run of 16 league games that propelled them into contention, he contributed to their push for promotion, though they were eliminated in the play-off semi-finals by Tranmere Rovers (aggregate 1–2).[6][51] The transfer represented a substantial risk for Reid, who left a more secure position at Exeter to join a relegation-battling side, requiring quick adaptation to Forest Green's intense playing style and newly professional environment.[6] Despite personal difficulties, including his wife's cancer diagnosis, he integrated effectively, becoming a focal point in attack and helping the team secure their League Two status in his debut half-season before thriving in the subsequent campaign.[6]Cheltenham Town (2019–2021)
On 24 June 2019, Reuben Reid joined Cheltenham Town on a free transfer from divisional rivals Forest Green Rovers, signing a one-year contract with an option for an additional year based on appearances.[52] The transfer was motivated by family stability, as Reid, based in Bristol, sought a club closer to home to facilitate the school run for his children enrolled in local schools, reducing the daily commute he had endured during his time at Forest Green.[6] Reid's tenure at Cheltenham was hampered by injuries from the outset, including a minor knee operation shortly after signing in July 2019 and a subsequent hamstring issue in December 2019 that sidelined him for several weeks.[53][54] Over the two seasons (2019–21), he made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals, with his contributions including a run of three consecutive match-winning goals in February 2020 against Carlisle United, Leyton Orient, and Mansfield Town.[47] Despite limited starts in the 2020–21 campaign due to ongoing fitness concerns, Reid remained part of the squad that secured promotion as League Two champions, finishing first with 80 points from 46 matches.[55] He departed the club on 5 January 2021, re-joining Yeovil Town on a free transfer after 18 months with the Robins.[55]Yeovil Town (2021–2022)
Reuben Reid signed for Yeovil Town on a free transfer from Cheltenham Town on 5 January 2021, marking his return to the club after a previous spell from 2012 to 2014 during which he helped secure promotion via the League One play-offs in 2013. The deal was initially until the end of the 2020–21 season, allowing him to contribute immediately in the National League. In May 2021, Reid extended his contract to cover the full 2021–22 campaign, committing to the Glovers amid their efforts to stabilize following relegation threats in prior years.[56][57][58] In the 2021–22 National League season, Reid established himself as a regular squad member, making 23 league appearances and scoring 3 goals while accumulating 1,036 minutes on the pitch. His contributions included key moments in matches against promotion contenders, though Yeovil ultimately finished 12th in the table with 59 points from 44 games, missing out on the play-offs for promotion to the Football League. Reid's goals came in competitive fixtures, providing vital support to the attack as the team balanced defensive solidity with occasional scoring bursts. He also featured in cup competitions, including 2 FA Cup appearances without scoring.[59][60] Over his second stint at Yeovil spanning January 2021 to June 2022, Reid totaled 50 league appearances and 6 goals across the National League, demonstrating reliability as a 33-year-old forward in a squad blending youth and experience. His presence offered continuity and mentorship, drawing on over a decade of professional football to aid team dynamics during a transitional period for the club. At the end of the 2021–22 season, Reid was released as Yeovil sought to refresh their roster.[47]Weston-super-Mare (2022–2025)
In June 2022, following his release from Yeovil Town, Reuben Reid signed for Southern League Premier Division South club Weston-super-Mare on a free transfer, bringing his recent non-league experience to the step 3 side.[61] As an experienced forward, Reid quickly became a key figure in the team's attack during his three-year spell, serving as a senior striker and providing leadership in the step 3/4 non-league environment.[5] He played an instrumental role in Weston-super-Mare's 2022–23 campaign, helping secure the Southern League Premier South title and promotion to the National League South with his contributions on the pitch.[5][62] Across the 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25 seasons, Reid featured prominently, making 113 league appearances and scoring 27 goals while helping the club establish itself in the higher tier.[4] His consistent presence and goal-scoring ability underscored his value as a reliable target man in non-league football.Weymouth (2025–present)
In May 2025, Reuben Reid signed a one-year contract with Weymouth of the Southern League Premier Division South, marking his return to step 3 non-league football following the expiry of his deal at Weston-super-Mare.[63][64] Drawing on his established goal-scoring record in recent non-league campaigns, Reid was recruited to bolster Weymouth's attacking options as an experienced forward, offering physical presence and tactical nous in a squad aiming for promotion contention.[65] As of November 19, 2025, Reid has made 13 appearances across all competitions during the 2025–26 season, scoring 2 goals while adapting to the team's setup under manager Warren Feeney.[66] His contract remains active through June 30, 2026, with ongoing involvement expected in Weymouth's push within the division.[1]Career statistics and honours
Club career statistics
Reuben Reid's club career statistics encompass appearances and goals across league and cup competitions from his professional debut in 2006. As of the end of the 2024–25 season, he has recorded approximately 513 league appearances and 140 goals; in the ongoing 2025–26 season with Weymouth, he has made 2 league appearances with 0 goals. Including all competitions, his career totals stand at 646 appearances and 168 goals. The following table provides a breakdown by club, aggregating league and cup data (with loans noted where applicable). Detailed season-by-season figures are derived from performance records, focusing on key competitions such as the EFL leagues, FA Cup, EFL Cup, EFL Trophy, and National League variants.[67][2][3]| Club | Years | League Apps (Goals) | Cup Apps (Goals) | Total Apps (Goals) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth Argyle (incl. loans) | 2006–08, 2013–16 | 145 (44) | 19 (6) | 164 (50) |
| Rotherham United | 2008–09 | 41 (18) | 9 (1) | 50 (19) |
| Torquay United (loan) | 2006–07 | 7 (2) | 0 (0) | 7 (2) |
| Wycombe Wanderers (loan) | 2007–08 | 11 (1) | 0 (0) | 11 (1) |
| Kidderminster Harriers (loan) | 2007–08 | 6 (2) | 0 (0) | 6 (2) |
| Brentford (loan) | 2007–08 | 10 (1) | 0 (0) | 10 (1) |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2009–11 | 4 (0) | 1 (0) | 5 (0) |
| Peterborough United (loan) | 2009–10 | 13 (0) | 0 (0) | 13 (0) |
| Rochdale (loan) | 2006–07 | 2 (0) | 0 (0) | 2 (0) |
| Walsall (loan) | 2010–11 | 18 (3) | 2 (2) | 20 (5) |
| Oldham Athletic | 2011–12 | 39 (7) | 2 (1) | 41 (8) |
| Yeovil Town | 2012–14, 2020–22 | 68 (10) | 10 (2) | 78 (12) |
| Exeter City | 2016–18 | 58 (20) | 8 (2) | 66 (22) |
| Forest Green Rovers | 2017–19 | 50 (13) | 5 (0) | 55 (13) |
| Cheltenham Town | 2019–21 | 21 (5) | 8 (4) | 29 (9) |
| Weston-super-Mare | 2022–25 | 87 (30) | 10 (4) | 97 (34) |
| Weymouth | 2025–present | 2 (0) | 0 (0) | 2 (0) |