- published: 20 Jul 2014
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Winston Wiremu Reid (born 3 July 1988) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a defender for English club West Ham United and also captains the New Zealand national team.
Both Reid's parents have Māori ancestry. He affiliates to Tainui through his father and to Te Rarawa through his mother. He was born in North Shore, Auckland, but moved from New Zealand to Denmark at the age of 10 with his mother and Danish stepfather. He always maintained contact with his father and his family in New Zealand.
Reid signed a youth contract with SUB Sønderborg, before moving on to play youth football with Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland. He was one of the first players to graduate from FCM's football academy, the first of its kind in Denmark, coming through the system alongside Midtjylland teammates Jesper Weinkouff, Christian Sivebæk and former teammate, Simon Kjær. In November 2005, Reid signed a professional contract with FC Midtjylland. Aged 17, Reid made his FC Midtjylland debut in the Royal League tournament against Norwegian side Vålerenga in a 4–0 win. He made his league debut for FC Midtjylland coming on for David Nielsen as a substitute in the 78th minute. Playing few games in seasons 2005–06, 2006–07 and 2007–08 it was not until season 2008–09 that Reid made 28 appearances and scored his first goal against AaB Fodbold in a 3–2 loss on 23 March 2009 and scored his second in the league in his next match against AC Horsens in a 3–1 win on 5 April 2009. Reid also established himself in the starting eleven throughout the season until Reid left the club.