Peterhead co-director Jordon Brown has revealed why Aaron Reid was withdrawn via Aberdeen after his season-long loan was cut short.
Earlier this week, the Dons confirmed the 19-year-old forward had returned to Pittodrie after the loan deal was terminated.
Reid has since joined Formartine United of the Breedon Highland League on loan for the remainder of the season.
The striker has made 20 appearances (3 starts) for Blue Toon in all competitions since arriving in the summer, but has failed to score a goal.
The Peterhead co-boss admits it is disappointing Reid’s loan spell did not work out, but believes returning to his parent club was the right decision.
Brown said: “The most important thing is obviously the most productive thing for Aaron himself and we left the ball in his court.
“We can’t blame Aaron for anything. He had a smart attitude and smart qualities, but he didn’t get the minutes he needed. It made sense for him to return to Aberdeen.
“I knew Aaron at Elgin City last season, but I think he’s progressed quickly. He’s still very young and hasn’t played much in senior football.
“He played in the Highland League and did well there to earn his move to Aberdeen, but it’s tricky to get into a new environment and play senior football.
“He’s had a couple of chances with us and he’s helped us get some goals, so I wouldn’t be disappointed if it was Aaron; It would be a wonderful learning curve. “
While Reid has already shown his goalscoring qualities in the Highland League with Turriff United, earning him a return to full-time football with the Dons, Brown believes Formartine is a move for the teenager.
Brown added: “He has played in the Highland League before and a team there can give him more minutes.
“He’s been given the right qualities. He’s a strong guy and has been given a clever pace, and other facets of his game (knowing where to be with and without the ball) will come with enjoyment and play in more games.
“We all expect him to have a wonderful long run in the game, no matter where he stands.
“Hopefully I can do business there and move on. “
Peterhead host the Spartans in League 2 on Saturday at Balmoor, and Brown will be hoping to bounce back from successive defeats to Forfar Athletic and Elgin City.
He said: “This is only the second time in the league this season where we have lost two on the bounce and we managed to bounce back from that before.
“It’s a busy time for us with Spartans on Saturday and Dumbarton away on Tuesday night, but it is an opportunity for us to really switch the mentality and build some momentum again.”
January is a busy month for the Blue Toon, who sit second in the table, as they come up against the rest of the top four, starting with fourth-placed Spartans.
Brown said: “It has been a tough spell, but we’ve trained well this week and morale has not dropped.
“This month is being huge and we know it’s an opportunity to swoon and play against the teams we’re competing with at the top of the table.
“Having a break at this point in the season is bigger than having one in March and April, but we need to do things right and give ourselves a platform to start. ”
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