Levi Reid gives up summer to train

Stafford Rangers winger Levi Reid has given up his summer holidays to get a headstart on his dream of returning to the full-time professional game.

The former Port Vale, Macclesfield and Oxford player refuses to give up hope of a return to the Football League, after dropping out in 2008 to care for his sick child who has now made a full recovery.

His hometown club Rangers offered him a route back last August with the wide man playing out the season at Marston Road, and management are keen for him to stay on for next season.

Reid is happy to do that but only if the chance to make football his main profession again is not forthcoming, taking the unusual step of not asking for a deal and requesting to stay on non-contract forms to keep him free to leave.

Now the 26-year-old has vowed to be fitter than ever before a pre-season ball has even been kicked, with the squad not due back until July 1.

The training beat is being pounded daily at Cannock Chase to ensure the winger will not be beaten on endurance, as long hill runs and circuits improve his cardiovascular output.

It's hard work on your own but a necessary evil for Reid, who feels there is no time left to waste in chasing his ambitions.

He said: "I know what I have go to do, I have been in the game long enough. I should be a lot sharper, I didn't have a pre-season last year but gradually got better through playing games.

"It was frustrating at times, I knew what I wanted to do in my head but my body wouldn't let me do it. It was pleasing when it did come back, but just as I got match fit again the season finished!

"I am 26 now and if I want to push on again in my career I have got to do it. Time is running out for me at the moment and I haven't got to where I want to be. It's time for me to make it happen, whether that be at Rangers or wherever.

"If I stay in the semi-professional game, there's nowhere else I want to play but Stafford. But if an offer comes up to go full-time, I am going to take it."