Injury Challenges at West Brom
During the last two seasons of Adam Reach’s stint at West Brom, he faced persistent injury problems. In the 2022-23 season, he managed only three starts in the Sky Bet Championship and five starts in 2023-24.
A New Beginning
When his contract ended in June 2024, he left The Hawthorns but was relieved to finally be fit and seeking a new club. At the age of 30 and with over 400 career appearances, he believed he would appeal to potential buyers.
Naivety in the Transfer Market
Reflecting on his situation, Reach admitted to Sky Sports, “It was the first time I was out of contract, and I think I was a bit naïve. I assumed that having played numerous matches in the Championship would automatically attract another club.”
Life as a Free Agent
Reach spent seven challenging months without a contract, struggling with the absence of a team routine. He missed being active on the pitch, finding it difficult to watch the games from home. “I hope to never find myself in that position again,” he expressed.
Training Alone
During this downtime, he trained mostly by himself which, while manageable due to his fitness, lacked the intensity and focus of competitive training. “The biggest challenge was the mental aspect,” he noted, yearning for the structure that comes with being part of a team.
A Return to Competition
Finally, on February 3, 2025, Reach signed a short-term deal with Wycombe. He contributed significantly with 15 appearances, helping the club reach the League One play-offs.
New Opportunities at Lincoln
After a brief stint with Wycombe, Reach moved to Lincoln City, signing a one-year contract. By January 26, he had made a notable impact with four goals and three assists, securing an early contract extension. “Reflecting on this season, it has exceeded my expectations,” he concluded, looking forward to the potential promotion journey ahead.
