from the Sun:
MARTIN JOL admits Andy Reid is sorely missed at Tottenham . . . for his musical duets with Robbie Keane.
Irish winger Reid returns to White Hart Lane for the first time since ending his 18-month spell at Spurs with a move to Charlton.
Boss Jol regrets form and fitness problems prevented Reid producing his best at Spurs following the £4million deal that brought him and Michael Dawson from Nottingham Forest in January 2005.
But he will never forget Reid, a keen guitarist, serenading his team-mates with fellow Irishman Keane on the banjo.
Jol said: “Andy Reid was probably one of the best personalities we’ve had.
“When he was with all the others he was amazing, a terrific lad.
“He had a good sense of humour and was a great guitar player and singer, together with Keane.
“They played Irish music, U2 and The Dubliners.
“But he wasn’t playing regularly and when Charlton came in, he asked for a move.
“He’s a good footballer as well but unfortunately he had a few big injuries when he was here and I played Teemu Tainio on the left or Edgar Davids.
“We were in fourth position from December so it was not easy for Andy to come into the team and as soon as he got the opportunity to play regularly at Charlton, we couldn’t stand in his way.
“No, we didn’t see the best of him. At Charlton it is different, he is playing in a No 10 position and we bought him as a left winger.
“He played five or six games in the reserves in that position and he always did well, so we knew he is a fine player.When a player is playing regularly it gives him confidence and we knew Andy is a very gifted, talented player.”
Jol insists slurs about Reid’s weight were unfair and the naturally stocky star only struggled because of long injury lay-offs.
The Dutchman said: “If he plays regularly, like any professional, I don’t think it is a problem.
“It will occur when you don’t play. Mido had the same problem with his weight when injured last year, but Andy always looked after himself.”
Jol aimed a swipe at Charlton, claiming they were spoilt during Alan Curbishley’s reign and did not give Iain Dowie long enough to prove himself before sacking him after 12 Premiership games.
He said: “Dowie is recognised in England as one of the most talented young managers.
“It is a bit awkward to get the sack after 12 games but this is a tough business. Everyone knows what happens if you don’t get results.
“Charlton were spoilt in the past because when they were 10th or 11th, they were not satisfied.
“Now they realise what a good time it was.”
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