STEVEN Reid is looking forward to starting an ‘exciting new chapter’ after conceding his seven-year Ewood Park stint was over.

While the Republic of Ireland midfielder had yet to receive official confirmation he would not be offered a new deal at Blackburn Rovers, he told the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday he was now prepared for a life away from Ewood.

The 29-year-old finished this season helping West Bromwich Albion to promotion back to the Premier League during a loan spell and, while his next move remains uncertain, a return to the Baggies would be attractive to him.

Reid has made just five league starts for Rovers over the past two seasons due to suffering a serious knee injury but he has made 10 appearances in his three-month loan spell at the Hawthorns He said: “It is looking as though my time at Blackburn has come to an end, although they haven’t made it official yet. I don’t think I will be getting anything from Blackburn Rovers in the summer.

“I know I can still play Premier League football though.

"I am disappointed I haven’t played the amount of games I hoped to at Blackburn this season but that is football.

“The manager has his own views and you can’t argue with what he has done.

"He has done brilliantly to get the club to 10th and I am delighted for all of them.

“But that doesn’t mean I don’t have confidence in my ability to still play at that level because I do.

"I definitely feel I can still offer a Premier League club something because I still feel I am good enough at that level.”

Reid’s Rovers deal expires this summer, with West Brom believed to be interested in handing the former Millwall man an immediate Premier League return.

Making his loan spell permanent would certainly appeal to the midfielder but, whatever happens, he insists he is relishing starting a new challenge.

He said: “I played a few games at West Brom, got myself fit and really enjoyed playing a part in helping them get to the Premier League.

"It is a decent club and I was delighted to have been involved.

“There has been no contract offer at the moment from West Brom, but we have had initial talks.

"I will try to get away next week to have a holiday and then see what we can sort out.

“It is exciting times for me. It may sound strange but I feel as though I am ready for a new challenge.”

Reid moved to Ewood from Millwall for £1.85million in July 2003 and, after being dismissed on his debut, has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.

“I have enjoyed my seven years at Rovers a lot,” he said. “One of the major things over the last few years has been the amount of injuries I have picked up and that has stopped me in my tracks a bit.

“It doesn’t take away from the memories I have though. I am delighted to have been part of the club and I have loved every minute of it.

“I have made some really good friends at the club. Not just the players, but the medical staff were obviously brilliant during my injuries.

"To be fair everyone at the club has been brilliant and has stuck by me, the fans as well, and I would like to thank everyone for that.

“I think finishing sixth in the league was probably my high point. i think I was playing at the top of my game and they were exciting times at the club - unfortunately from then I started picking up injuries.

"We will see what happens in the summer.”

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