Reid chases history

ARNETT GARDENS captain and talisman Fabian Reid said he is still holding on to his childhood dream of qualifying and playing in a World Cup while donning the black, gold, and green of Jamaica.

With the 2024-25 Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season just days away, Reid said this season will be a platform for him to impress new Reggae Boyz head coach Stephen McClaren and earn a spot in the national programme.

Reid was a regular fixture in former head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s local camps and had earned a national call-up during the World Cup qualifiers in June.

He believes his dream of playing in a World Cup for his nation is still within his grasp and hopes he can play a role in the road to the 2026 World Cup.

“I did an interview the last time saying I had a dream of bringing Jamaica to the World Cup and the time is still there, so I just have to keep working and wait for that time for me to come back again. I’ll keep doing what I have to do,” Reid stated.

He said the way back into the Reggae Boyz squad will be to prove he is a valuable goalscorer for Arnett Gardens this season.

Reid said Arnett Gardens fans can expect him to be clinical in front of goal this season.

“All I have to do is continue doing what I normally do for Arnett and that’s scoring goals. As long as I keep on scoring goals then the new coach is going to see and know that I’m a real goalscorer and give me a call. I’m sure I can do it and still feel I can bring the team to the World Cup.”

Reid is confident Arnett Gardens can bring their title-winning form from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield into the season.

He said he is ready to play his part as team captain with Arnett harbouring JPL and CONCACAF Caribbean Cup title aspirations.

“It is good for the season starting fresh that I have the frame of mind to come out and put in the work,” Reid said.

“We don’t want to peak too early to be honest because we want to win the Caribbean Cup and we want win the Premier League too. We’re on a high now so we have to maintain it same way.”