Youngster pleased despite result after a promising debut
Exeter City youngster Jamie Reid said that he was pleased to have made his first appearance for the Grecians by coming on against Oxford United on Boxing Day.
The teenager was given a little over half an hour of action from the bench, in his first competitive appearance for City. By spending a successful stint on loan at Dorchester this season, and by putting in impressive performances in training, the striker earned his opportunity – and his direct play and positive performance was appreciated by the home fans.
“I really enjoyed it,” said Reid. “It was much different to playing in the reserves or being out on loan. I was really nervous beforehand, but I think I did alright.
“I think I attacked players, and though it wasn’t the best performance I’ve ever put in, I think I did pretty well. It’s all part of my game to go forward and to run towards goal. It’s just a shame about the result.”
With several experienced players in the squad, Jamie has no shortage of good influences alongside him to make sure that he will fulfil his potential. He identified Jamie Cureton – almost twice his age – as someone he can learn the strikers’ trade from, as well as midfielder Matt Oakley, a veteran of over a decade of Premier League football.
“[Jamie] is just so good in training. He can finish everything. You just need him to get a chance – and even if he misses, the next chance he’ll try and score. He never gets down about it – it’s really good to play with someone like that.
“Also it’s great having Matt Oakley around as well – he’s got really high expectations, so he tries to bring the best out of you.”
He also credits his loan spell with the Magpies as a contributing factor to his development. Reid scored five times for Dorchester and helped to contribute towards their excellent FA Cup run that saw them eventually squeezed out by Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
“I felt much fitter than how I did in pre-season. I felt like I came back a much stronger player, having played against men week in, week out. I scored some goals as well, so I came back to Exeter a bit more confidence than I had when I went away.”
So with his first footballing rite of passage out the way on Boxing Day, what are Jamie’s ambitions for 2013?
“Just to try to get in the squad as many times as I can! And to keep on improving, as I’ve still got a lot more to do. Playing out there [against Oxford] showed me that I’ve still got a lot more improving to do.”