Delighted Reid spurred on by agony of missing Bradford’s Capital defeat

The tricky winger, an unused substitute for the Capital One Cup final against Swansea City in his native London on February 24, had been an injury doubt for Bradford’s return to the national stadium after aggravating a groin injury in the play-off semi-final victory at Burton Albion on 
May 5.

But given his disappointment of missing out against the Swans, Reid was desperate to prove his fitness and make his mark.

Reid, who wore a smile as broad as the Thames following Saturday’s 3-0 win over Northampton, said: “You never want to not play in a game like this. After missing out on the Capital One Cup final, I just said to myself: ‘I need to get fit and be out there and help the team.’ Wembley is a massive stage to test yourself and I was so disappointed not to play last time here, even though I was slightly injured.

“I was prepared to do whatever it took to be fit for this game. It inspired me to work hard and when the boys had their days off after the Burton game, I was in on my own with the physio working behind the scenes trying to get fit. It paid off and I am just so pleased everything went our way.”

Reid’s first-ever visit to Wembley, despite being brought up just 15 miles away, proved a storybook one for the former West Ham man, watched by members of his family including his young son, bedecked in a Bradford kit on the pitch amid the celebrations following Saturday’s promotion clincher.

Reid – Phil Parkinson’s first signing for City – added; “Of course, it’s my proudest moment in football so far.

“It’s a massive achievement and I will always look back and remember this.”