STRIKER Craig Reid has returned to his home city to sign for Coventry United after being released by Newport County AFC.

The 31-year-old started his career at Coventry City and also played for Cheltenham Town, Grays Athletic, Stevenage, Aldershot Town, Southend United, Kidderminster Harriers, Lincoln City and Gloucester City amongst others.

His first spell with County, from 2008 to 2011, was by far the most successful of his career as he scored 66 goals in 112 appearances and helped Dean Holdsworth’s team win the Conference South title in 2010.

Reid returned to the Exiles in January this year as he teamed up with manager Graham Westley for a third time.

But he failed to find the net in 10 appearances and did not feature once Michael Flynn had replaced Westley for the final 12 games of the season.

Coventry United were formed in 2013 in response to Coventry City’s move from the city to play in Northampton.

They won promotion in their first three seasons and now play in the Midland League Premier Division – the ninth highest tier in English football.

“I think it’s going to be a great project here,” said Reid.

“As soon as I spoke to the gaffer and he told me about the plans going forward and where they want to be I knew it matches my ambition and I see it as a great challenge.

“They have the ambition to take on the professional teams and if I can help them get there then brilliant.”

The 5ft 10ins forward is delighted to be back in the city of his birth, even if it does mean stepping down the football pyramid and leaving the professional game.

“It’s great to be home,” he added. “I’ve been living away for a long time and it’s great to be back and involved in a brand new project.

“It’s always been a great pleasure to play professionally for as long as I have but it’s good to have the opportunity to come back to Coventry and play for a club that is progressing up the leagues.”