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ANDY REID has promised to deliver the kind of service that Charlton top-scorer Darren Bent will thrive on this season.
The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international midfielder became the Addicks eighth summer signing when he moved from Tottenham to The Valley after the clubs agreed a deal worth £3million.
After signing a four-year contract, Reid promised: "I can set up the goals for Darren Bent. That’s what I’m here for. I love getting on the ball and creating chances. I also like to think that I’ll be able to chip in with a few goals myself."
After a frustrating 19 months with Tottenham, where he managed just 20 Premiership starts following a big-money move from Nottingham Forest in January, 2005 Reid admitted that he knew his days under coach Martin Jol were numbered.
Asked if he had a point to prove to Jol and Tottenham, Reid retorted: "I’ve got more of a point to prove to myself.
"When I first went to Tottenham, things were going well and I was flying. Then last season I picked up a couple of injuries.
"Tottenham started to bring in a lot of new players so the opportunities weren’t there for me. I don’t want to get involved with personalities, but I felt I could have played more games."
Reid admitted that Charlton boss Iain Dowie’s powers of persuasion had been a big factor in rejecting the advances of a number of other clubs.
"He’s so enthusiastic and he was a big factor in me coming here. He has so much drive and enthusiasm."
Dowie disclosed: “Andy is a player I’ve wanted to sign for some time, going back to my days at Crystal Palace.
“He is a young player who can go on and achieve great things because he has immense quality."
* Keep up to date with all the news from The Valley every week in the Bexley Extra.