Switch to Tottenham just the spur Reid needs – Hay
FORMER All Whites captain Danny Hay believes Tottenham Hotspur would be a better fit for Winston Reid than the likes of Manchester United or Liverpool.
For months, rumour and speculation have swirled around Reid’s future in English club football, with the New Zealander refusing to extend his contract at West Ham United.
A swathe of English glamour clubs have allegedly been pursuing the services of the All Whites captain, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Tottenham are the latest club in the mix, with one tabloid reporting Reid is set to move to West Ham’s London rivals in a deal worth $120,000 a week for the 26-year-old.
Officially, Reid’s status remains unclear. But Hay, a former national captain and Premier League player, says of all the suggested clubs, Spurs would be the most suitable move for Reid.
‘‘First it was Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool be- ing bandied about, but of all those clubs I would think Tottenham would be the most suitable option,’’ Hay said.
‘‘The reality is those big clubs will have so much more expectation and every tiny mistake gets absolutely pounced on. Tottenham is still a big club, but not one of the top bracket when you put Manchester City and Chelsea in there as well.
‘‘If the rumour of Winston moving to Spurs has truth to it, it could be good for him.’’
However, Hay said Reid did not necessarily even have to leave Upton Park – where there is more security for his long-term future.
‘‘If Winston does go somewhere it would be disappointing for West Ham, particularly if he did go to Spurs, their rivals.
‘‘West Ham are showing this season that they’re a club on the move in the division and are moving into the London Olympic stadium. Winston’s a household name there, could be club captain for a number of years – that’s what he could be giving up.
‘‘But he could be giving that up in a search for what every player wants, playing at the highest level possible. With Tottenham, there is that chance of Champions League football – the best football in the world. World Cup and internationals aside, nothing compares to the Champions League, that is the creme de la creme.’’