Lee Johnson has made his first signing as Oldham manager, bringing in Bristol City midfielder Bobby Reid on a youth loan for the rest of the campaign.
Midfielder Reid is in his first year as a professional with the Robins and has made five substitute appearances for the Championship club.
He also had a loan spell at Cheltenham last season, but featured just once while at Whaddon Road.
Reid’s diminutive 5ft 6 stature could be looked upon as a drawback for most managers in League One. However, Johnson, who worked alongside Reid at Ashton gate rates the 20-year-old highly.
“Bobby is athletic and a good, little footballer. He may be small in stature, but he is big in courage,” Johnson told the club website.
“He is unlucky not to be in Bristol City’s first team. Had it not been for their league position, I am sure he would be because he is certainly ready.”
“It took him, as it did me in my career, to be around the age of 21 before I could compete with men.”
“I think Bristol City kept the reins on him because of that, but now he is ready to explode.
“I have seen him progress from being a boy to become a man and a talented young player. He is a good lad, hungry which is important and keen to help get us out of trouble.”
As an apprentice Reid regularly featured in LFE’s Goal of the Month competition for academy players – winning the award in March 2011 and he is now eager to make an impact at first-team level:
“The gaffer was at Bristol City when I was starting out and knows about me,” said Reid. “I’ve reached the stage of my career when I need to be playing games, which is why I am happy to be here.”
