Reid - it's good to be back

Kyel Reid is delighted to be back at Charlton - this time on a permanent basis.

The winger spent the latter part of last term on loan at The Valley, hitting an impressive four goals in 18 appearances.

He returned to Bramall Lane following the end of his temporary stay in SE7, but the Addicks acted swiftly to clinch his signature on a free transfer following his release by the Championship Blades.

"I'm happy and I'm pleased to be back,” he told CAFC Player. "I've now got an opportunity to be playing week in, week out, and hopefully we'll do better than we did last year.

"I felt last year went well. The fans, staff and everyone at the club was great. I really enjoyed my time here."

Reid's final competitive appearance in a Charlton shirt came in the play-off semi-final second-leg clash with Swindon Town when the Addicks were cruelly defeated on penalties.

The left-footer had been substituted by that point due to cramp, and could only watch from the sidelines as the Robins triumphed.

"In the Swindon game I felt I put in a performance to the best of my ability," he said. "Now I want to kick on from where I left off.

"I was devo [devastated] when I came off. I couldn't run any more, I was cramping up, but I wanted to be a part of it. I was devastated that we didn't get through and I thought we deserved it. It's been a while now, though, so it's out of my system."

Former West Ham United youngster Reid made eight appearances for the Blades last term - seven as a substitute - after departing Upton Park on a free transfer for Kevin Blackwall's side.

He admits things didn't exactly go to plan in South Yorkshire, stating: "I didn't really get on with the manager, so instead of staying I decided to get out and try and kick on with my career.

"When I went back he said he was happy for me to stay, but that he wasn't sure of his starting XI. I want to be where I'm wanted. I knew Parky wanted me back here so I'd always kept that in mind. There were other clubs interested, but this is the right place for me.

"We're aiming for automatic promotion. It will be tough, but anyone can beat anyone on their day. We're looking strong and fit, I just think we need one or two more players and we'll be fine."

Since becoming a full-time Addick, Reid has featured in three friendlies for Charlton.

And he's feeling good for the forthcoming League One campaign, which kicks off in under two weeks.

"It was good to be back in the shirt in the friendlies," he mused. "I almost feel like I haven't been away since the season ended. I'd done a fair bit of training at Sheffield United and played a pre-season game as well so I'm feeling sharp."

After his four-goal haul last term, Southwark-born Reid is also aiming for double figures this time around, adding: "I'm aiming for a minimum of 10 this season. I can't wait for the Bournemouth game and I'll be looking to get on the scoresheet then."

To view the full interview with Reid, head to CAFC Player, which also has the post-match thoughts of Parkinson following Saturday's 1-0 friendly defeat at Barnet.

Parkinson admits the Addicks were 'sluggish' in the pre-season outing at Underhill, and tells the press there have been no contract talks with Grant Basey or David Mooney.

The club's video website, which costs less than 10p per day, has been bringing fans exclusive behind the scenes video and audio content throughout the close season.

CAFC Player continues to have all the big names this summer, bringing subscribers interviews with the likes of Christian Dailly, Mark Kinsella, Johnnie Jackson, Chris Solly and Donough Holohan, while fans will be able to hear live commentary from every Charlton fixture - home and away - this season via the video website, courtesy of the club's official radio partners, BBC LONDON 94.9.

With yearly subscriptions available from just £34.99, or £3.99 per month, CAFC Player is the place to be for all your Addicks news, views, action and reaction.