We recently caught up with HiHi summer signing Craig Reid, a 25-year-old central defender who our manager Scott Bonar had pursued for some time. Craig grew up in Midlothian, and after playing with Hibs as a schoolboy joined Livingston where he played until age 18.
Over the subsequent five years he had spells at Penicuik Athletic, Whitehill Welfare, Tranent, Newtongrange Star and Berwick Rangers, and had spent the past two seasons as a regular first choice in the Premier Division with Crossgates. Craig’s dad George was an old-fashioned centre half who’d a season on our books back in 1989/90.
How much are you enjoying your time at the club?
“The first few weeks have been really good. I feel very welcome. Pre-season was really tough with a hard schedule in terms of games and results didn’t go our way, but it was productive because it gave us things to work on in training and this enabled us to prepare for the first competitive fixtures.
“We were able to take maximum points from the first three league fixtures, which was a really positive start following all of the work in pre-season. It shows what we’re capable of and we want to get back to.”
What appealed to you about the club?
“I spoke to Scott (Bonar, manager) just after Christmas. It’s close to home and played against Haddington teams in the past. They were always difficult games. It’s a good set up with the surroundings and pitch. I know a few boys past and present who have played here and they speak positively about the experience.”
What are your thoughts on the quality of the squad and what are your hopes for the season?
“There is competition in every area of the pitch. There are young players coming through who are good prospects. A lot of the U20 players train with us on Tuesday and Thursday so you can see who is coming through. Bimbo (Brandyn Neil) and Robbie Peffers are two who have stepped up. Wilson Ngomo is a good young player who is coming back from injury.
“There is depth within the squad. Scott has built a strong squad and hopefully we can be successful, whether that be in the league or in the cup. It would be great if we could progress in the Scottish Cup.
“My approach is to take every game as it comes and not look too far ahead. I’m not one for looking too far down the line. What will be will be.
What has been your proudest achievement as a footballer?
“Signing a full-time contract with Livingston – that’s probably the highlight. Every young player wants to be a professional football player. It didn’t work out for me as a full-time player, but I met good guys and coaches along the way and made really good friends.
“After coming through my youth days at Hibs from 10 up to 17 and then going full-time with Livingston, it opens your eyes when it moves away from being a hobby to being a job. You learn how to prepare away from the game and about all the things that are important to be at your best. I would say now that as a part-time player, with fewer training sessions, the work and preparation you do away from the pitch is just as important.”
What interests do you have outside of football?
“I play a bit of golf. There are quite a few of the lads in the team who are good players.
“We had a club golf day a few weeks ago which was a good laugh. There are some really good golfers in the squad, like Ali Simpson and Ben Bathgate. But there are also some not so good ones!”
