REID Winston

General
CLUB CAREER
He began his professional career with FC Midjtylland in Denmark in July 2005. He was sold to West Ham United in August 2010, and spent time on loan at US club Sporting Kansas City and English side Brentford from his parent club West Ham United during 2020 and 2021. (transfermarkt.co.uk, 29 May 2021)

CHOOSING NEW ZEALAND
Born in New Zealand to New Zealander parents, he moved to Denmark at age 10 with his mother and his Danish stepfather. He represented Denmark at youth international level, but announced his intention to represent new Zealand in 2010. (stuff.co.nz, 15 Mar 2010; brentfordfc.com, 01 Feb 2021; transfermarkt.co.uk, 29 May 2021)

RETURN FROM INJURY
He was sidelined between March 2018 and October 2019 due to knee injuries. "I came back for pre-season [after the first injury] and the first week I was working with the physio but after that, I was supposed to start full training with the first team. One day I was walking in the gym with the physio and then my knee just gave way. I wasn't even doing any exercise. Then they found out there was something else wrong with my knee and it was going to take nine to 12 months to recover. That's when I thought to myself, 'I just want to play'. It's not anyone's fault and that's how football goes sometimes. Everyone tried their best, it was just a freak accident. I'm not going to lie, I had a few dark moments and I was lucky I had a family to take care of because it helped take my mind off it. I was out for around 18 months and that's a long time for anyone. I appreciate football a lot more now. I'm getting older, I'm not 22 and I'm just enjoying playing games, training and helping the group out. It would be nice for my kids to see me play. They haven't seen me play because they were too young with all the injuries." (theathletic.co.uk, 04 Apr 2021; transfermarkt.co.uk, 29 May 2021)