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Peter Reid
Peter Reid
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Peter Reid (born 20 June 1956) is an English football manager, pundit and former player.[3]

Key Information

A defensive midfielder in his playing days, Reid enjoyed a long and successful career. He built his reputation as one of England's brightest midfield talents of the time at Bolton Wanderers,[4] before signing for Everton in 1982. It was there that he enjoyed the most fruitful spell of his career, as he helped the club win domestic and European honours, including the English Football League twice. He was voted as the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1985 and came fourth in the World Soccer Player of the Year award, behind Michel Platini, Preben Elkjær and Diego Maradona. He also received his first senior England call-up that year, and represented his country at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1988. He won 13 caps in total. Reid joined Queens Park Rangers in 1989, but moved on to Manchester City a year later to begin his managerial career.

He spent three years at Maine Road as player-manager, and guided them to two fifth-place finishes in the First Division, the first of which saw them finish above their city rivals Manchester United. He was persuaded to resume his playing career after leaving Manchester City, and briefly played for Southampton, Notts County and Bury before returning to management with Sunderland in 1995. He won promotion to the Premier League with the club on two occasions and achieved two seventh-place finishes in the top division. He combined his role at the Stadium of Light with the job as manager of the England U21 for a brief spell in 1999. His seven-year association with Sunderland ended in 2002 and he returned to management a year later, helping Leeds United avoid relegation from the Premier League. Reid left Elland Road the following season.

He was appointed manager of Coventry City in 2004 but his tenure lasted less than a year. He then worked as a pundit for the BBC at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and also worked for Sky Sports and ESPN before returning to management with Thailand in 2008. He won the T&T Cup with the country before returning to England as assistant manager to Tony Pulis at Stoke City, and helped them to an eleventh-place finish in the Premier League. He then managed Plymouth Argyle, taking over in June 2010, but was sacked after just over a year at the Devon club.

Playing career

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Club career

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Reid signed professional forms with Bolton Wanderers in 1974. He first won a medal when Bolton won the championship of the Football League Second Division in 1978, but he only enjoyed two seasons of First Division football before Bolton were relegated.

The boyhood Liverpool fan transferred to rivals Everton for £60,000 in 1982, only 12 months after a much larger fee had been mooted – a succession of injuries had cut the price.[5]

At club level his greatest achievement was as part of the Everton team that in 1984 won the FA Cup, in 1985 and 1987 the Football League First Division and in 1985 the European Cup Winners' Cup. They nearly won a unique treble but lost 1–0 to Manchester United in the 1985 FA Cup final. In that game, Reid was recklessly challenged by Manchester United defender Kevin Moran who became the first player to be sent off in an FA Cup final.

He was voted PFA Footballer of the Year in 1985, the same year that he collected a Football League title and European Cup Winner's Cup winner's medal. Reid's form was so good that year, he came 4th in the World Soccer player of the year award behind only Michel Platini, Preben Elkjaer and Diego Maradona.

He made 167 appearances (eight as substitute) for Everton. In 2006, Reid was awarded with the 'Everton Giant' accolade.

Reid signed for Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer in February 1989,[5] but only stayed until December, when he signed for Manchester City, then managed by former Everton manager Howard Kendall.

Following his dismissal by Manchester City, in October 1993 Reid was persuaded by Ian Branfoot to resume his playing career with Southampton who were then in the middle of a crisis: the Saints fans were calling for Branfoot to be sacked with the club having lost eight of their first nine games. Reid brought a touch of guile and stability to the Saints side; despite playing only eight games he made a major contribution to the team's fortunes as Saints' season started to come together. He led them to some important victories, most specially over Newcastle United on 24 October 1993, a game in which Matt Le Tissier scored two goals. His final game for Saints was a 3–1 victory over Chelsea on 28 December 1993.[6]

Branfoot was sacked a few days later (after a home defeat by Norwich City). Reid was touted as a possible replacement for Branfoot, but he stated that, as Branfoot had brought him to the club, it would only be fair that he left as well. Reid then had brief playing spells with Notts County and Bury before he retired from playing.

International career

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Reid won 13 caps for England. Given his chance by the injuries to other players, he became the linchpin of the England team in the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. In the England v Argentina quarter-final at that tournament Reid was one of the England players left behind by Diego Maradona as he burst from inside his own half to score his 'Goal of the Century' second goal.

Managerial career

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Manchester City

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Reid's managerial career began on 7 November 1990 at Manchester City, when he was appointed caretaker manager after the departure of Howard Kendall back to Everton.[citation needed] Reid was appointed player-manager on a permanent contract on 15 November.[7]

In 1990–91, Manchester City finished fifth (one place above neighbours Manchester United) and equalled this achievement the following season. In the first season of the Premier League (1992–93), City slipped into ninth place with an increasingly stale brand of 'long ball' football and Reid was sacked after a poor start to the following season.

Reid bought Keith Curle and Terry Phelan for £2.5 million each. Colin Hendry was sold to be eventually replaced by Michel Vonk. Clive Allen was also sold in December 1991.

Sunderland

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Reid made his return to management in March 1995 with Sunderland, who were battling relegation in the First Division. He kept the club up, and the following season they were crowned champions of the division and were promoted to the Premier League.

In 1996, a group of Sunderland fans under the name Simply Red and White released a song called "Daydream Believer (Cheer Up Peter Reid)" to the melody of "Daydream Believer". The song peaked at number 41 in the UK Singles & Album Chart.[8][9] The fans recorded the song due to the fact the manager often had a dour demeanour, whilst the team was doing well, and even won promotion at the end of the season.[10][11]

The team was relegated back to the First Division at the end of the 1996–97 season, after losing their last match of the campaign at Wimbledon.

Sunderland missed automatic promotion by one place in 1997–98 but reached the Division One play-off final, facing Charlton Athletic at Wembley Stadium. Reid's side missed out on promotion after drawing 3-3 after 90 minutes, 4-4 after extra time and losing 7–6 in a penalty shoot-out in one of the most dramatic play-off finals to date.[12] The following season Sunderland bounced back by winning the Division One title with a then record 105 League points total. They topped the First Division table from October until the end of the season and clinched promotion on 13 April 1999 with a 5–2 win over Bury.[13]

Throughout 1999–2000, Sunderland were competing for a place in European competition but in the end missed out after finishing in seventh place, one of the highest finishes ever achieved by a Premier League team in the season after promotion. Striker Kevin Phillips was the highest league scorer in England and Europe with 30 goals in the Premier League, and therefore won the European Golden Shoe that season; he was the last Englishman to win the accolade until 2024, when Harry Kane claimed the award after his 36-goal Bundesliga campaign. Reid also had a brief spell as manager of the England under-21 team in this season. For a while in 2000–01, Sunderland were second in the league and it looked as though they would secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, but their form dipped in the final stages of the season and again they finished seventh.

Reid's team suffered a downturn in the 2001–02 season ending up one place above the relegation zone and with just 28 goals from 38 games – fewer than any other team in the division. In a bid to halt the decline, Reid paid a club record £6.75million for Norwegian striker Tore André Flo from Rangers but was unsuccessful. Reid was dismissed in October 2002 after nearly eight years as Sunderland manager.[citation needed]

Leeds United

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Following his sacking from Sunderland, Reid was linked with the Republic of Ireland managerial position. He had even planned to apply for an Irish passport through his Drumcondra family connections.[14] In March 2003 he was appointed caretaker manager of Leeds United after the dismissal of Terry Venables. The Elland Road club had been hit by £80 million debts after their £100 million outlay on new players in the space of five seasons had failed to land them a trophy. Reid looked to be the man to reverse the decline, especially after a 6–1 away win over Charlton Athletic and a 3–2 away win over Arsenal which ended the opposition's title hopes. After keeping Leeds up, he was awarded the job on a permanent basis.

The club was still in a poor financial state, and Reid was forced to sell Harry Kewell and bring in cheaper signings from abroad as replacements. His new signings failed to gel and he was sacked in November 2003 after a 6–1 defeat against newly promoted Portsmouth. Although many of his signings left Leeds after the club was relegated, Kevin Blackwell, whom Reid had brought to Leeds as assistant manager, later went on to become manager in 2004.

Coventry City

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Reid was appointed manager of First Division side Coventry City in May 2004 with the aim of getting the club promoted to the Premier League. His spell at Highfield Road lasted only eight months as he departed on 6 January 2005 with the club 20th in the Championship.

Thailand national team

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After an absence from management of nearly four years Reid became manager of Thailand in September 2008, having been linked with the position earlier in the year.[15][16] He signed a four-year contract with an aim of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[17] He admitted to not knowing much about Thai football, and referring to his players by squad numbers rather than their Thai names. Reid said "I was surprised by the players' ability and I'm learning things about football I'd never have learnt in the Premier League. It's great for my football education. This is pure football and I love it."[18]

Reid's first assignment as the new national coach of Thailand was to take part in the T&T Cup in Vietnam, a three-team round-robin tournament with hosts Vietnam and North Korea. Thailand beat North Korea in the first game of the tournament and then went on to draw with Vietnam to clinch the championship.[19] On 9 September 2009, the Thailand Football Association (FAT) announced that Reid had left his position as manager; his contract was terminated by mutual consent after a year in charge.[20]

Stoke City

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After Reid left the Thailand job on 10 September 2009, Reid joined Stoke City as assistant manager to Tony Pulis.[21][22] Reid spent the 2009–10 season at Stoke before leaving in June 2010 in order to return to management.[23]

Plymouth Argyle

[edit]

On 24 June 2010, Plymouth Argyle confirmed the appointment of Reid as manager.[24] Reid endured an unexpectedly turbulent time with the Pilgrims who had just been relegated from the Football League Championship. The club was hit with two winding-up petitions from HMRC in November, and was forced to sell star players Bradley Wright-Phillips and Craig Noone in the January transfer window. Reid himself even auctioned off his FA Cup runners up medal and paid the club's heating bill at one point.[25] Despite these efforts the club was docked 10 points for intention to enter administration in February 2011 and left Argyle bottom of League 1 with relegation seeming inevitable.[26] The club's relegation to League 2 was confirmed on 2 May 2011 following a 3–1 defeat to Southampton, with the club finishing 23rd in League One.[27]

Reid was forced to sign an almost entirely new team over the summer of 2011, with 10 players making their debut on the opening day in a 1–1 draw with Shrewsbury Town.[28] However the club were unable to build on the Shrewsbury result and lost their following 8 league games, all whilst the club was still stuck in financial turmoil. On 18 September, Peter Reid was sacked by acting chairman Peter Ridsdale with the club bottom of the Football League with just one point. Despite having a win rate of just 26% during his time at the club, Reid remains popular amongst Plymouth Argyle supporters because of his generosity and commitment during troubled times.[29]

Mumbai City FC

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On 4 September 2014, Reid was appointed manager of Mumbai City FC ahead of the inaugural Indian Super League season.[30][31]

Return to Bolton

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On 18 March 2016, it was announced that Reid had returned to his first club Bolton Wanderers in a coaching capacity to assist interim manager Jimmy Phillips.[32] He left at the end of the season.[33]

Career statistics

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Club

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[34]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bolton Wanderers 1974–75 Second Division 27 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 29 0
1975–76 Second Division 42 2 6 1 1 0 0 0 49 3
1976–77 Second Division 42 5 1 0 9 1 4[a] 0 56 6
1977–78 Second Division 38 9 4 0 3 0 3[a] 0 48 9
1978–79 First Division 14 0 0 0 1 0 2[a] 0 17 0
1979–80 First Division 17 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 21 3
1980–81 Second Division 18 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 2
1981–82 Second Division 12 1 0 0 1 0 3[b] 0 16 1
1982–83 Second Division 15 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 19 1
Total 225 23 21 1 15 1 12 0 273 25
Everton 1982–83 First Division 7 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 10 0
1983–84 First Division 35 2 8 1 10 1 0 0 53 4
1984–85 First Division 36 2 7 1 4 0 10[c] 1 57 4
1985–86 First Division 15 1 5 0 0 0 2[d] 0 22 1
1986–87 First Division 16 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 18 1
1987–88 First Division 32 1 8 1 6 0 1[e] 0 47 2
1988–89 First Division 18 1 2 0 5 0 2[f] 0 27 1
Total 159 8 35 3 25 1 15 1 234 13
Queens Park Rangers 1988–89 First Division 14 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 1
1989–90 First Division 15 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 18 0
Total 29 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 32 1
Manchester City 1989–90 First Division 18 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 21 1
1990–91 First Division 30 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 32 0
1991–92 First Division 31 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 33 1
1992–93 Premier League 20 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 24 0
1993–94 Premier League 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Total 103 1 7 1 4 0 0 0 114 2
Southampton 1993–94 Premier League 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 0
Notts County 1993–94 First Division 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Bury 1994–95 Third Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 1[g] 0 2 0
Career total 529 33 63 5 48 2 28 1 668 41
  1. ^ a b c Appearances in Anglo-Scottish Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Football League Group Cup
  3. ^ Nine appearances and goal in European Cup Winners' Cup and one appearance in FA Charity Shield
  4. ^ One appearance in FA Charity Shield and one in Football League Super Cup
  5. ^ Appearance in FA Charity Shield
  6. ^ One appearance in Full Members' Cup and one in Football League Centenary Trophy
  7. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[35]
National team Year Apps Goals
England 1985 4 0
1986 5 0
1987 3 0
1988 1 0
Total 13 0

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of 5 November 2014[36]
Team From To Record
G W D L Win %
Manchester City 15 November 1990 26 August 1993 131 56 31 44 042.75
Sunderland 29 March 1995 7 October 2002 353 159 95 99 045.04
England U21 June 1999 June 1999 1 1 0 0 100.00
Leeds United 21 March 2003 10 November 2003 22 6 4 12 027.27
Coventry City 5 June 2004 6 January 2005 31 10 8 13 032.26
Thailand 2 September 2008 9 September 2009 17 9 4 4 052.94
Plymouth Argyle 24 June 2010 18 September 2011 61 16 9 36 026.23
Mumbai City 4 September 2014 20 December 2014 6 3 0 3 050.00
Total 622 260 151 211 041.80

Honours

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Peter Reid (born 20 June 1956 in Huyton, England) is an English former professional footballer and manager, widely recognized for his combative midfield performances during Everton's dominant 1980s era and for his successful tenure guiding Sunderland through promotions and stability in the Premier League. Reid began his playing career as a teenager at Bolton Wanderers, making over 200 appearances for the club between 1974 and 1982 before transferring to Everton in December 1982 for a fee of £60,000. At Everton, he formed a vital part of the midfield under manager Howard Kendall, contributing to a golden period that included victory in the FA Cup in 1984, the Football League First Division title in 1985, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1985. His relentless energy and leadership earned him the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 1985, a season in which Everton also finished as league runners-up and reached the FA Cup final. Internationally, Reid won 13 caps for England, debuting at age 28 and playing a key role in the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where the team reached the quarter-finals after replacing the injured captain Bryan Robson. He later played for Queens Park Rangers (1989), joined Manchester City as a player in 1989 and became player-manager from 1990 to 1993, retiring in 1995 after brief spells at Southampton, Notts County, and Bury. Transitioning to management, Reid's first major role was as player-manager at Manchester City in November 1990, where he led the team to a fifth-place finish in the 1990–91 First Division—the last time City finished above rivals Manchester United before their 2008 takeover. His most notable success came at Sunderland, where he was appointed manager in March 1995 and remained until October 2002, overseeing a remarkable revival for the club. Under Reid, Sunderland won the Football League First Division title in 1995–96 and 1998–99, securing promotion to the Premier League on both occasions, and reached the play-off final in 1997–98. In the top flight, his teams achieved respectable seventh-place finishes in 1999–2000 and 2001–02, earning him the League Managers Association Manager of the Year award in 1996. Reid also briefly managed the England under-21 team in 1999 while at Sunderland. Subsequent roles included stints at Leeds United (2003), Coventry City (2004–2005), the Thailand national team (2008–2009), Plymouth Argyle (2010–2011), and Mumbai City (2014), as well as other coaching positions. Now 69, Reid works as a football pundit and motivational speaker, occasionally returning to commentary on matches involving his former clubs.

Early life

Birth and family

Peter Reid was born on 20 June 1956 in , , , a region renowned for its intense passion for football amid the post-war economic recovery. He grew up in a working-class family on the Mosscroft council estate, where resources were limited but community bonds were strong, particularly through local football activities in the tough environment of 1960s . Reid's family reflected the deep-seated Liverpool-Everton rivalry that defined the area, with his father and uncle supporting while his mother was the sole Everton fan in the household. He has a , Shaun Reid, who also pursued a career in professional football and cited sympathy for their mother's isolated as a reason for supporting Everton. This familial divide influenced Reid's early exposure to the sport, though he initially aligned with as a young fan before his path led to Everton.

Introduction to football

Peter Reid's early exposure to football occurred in his hometown of , , where he played in local street games and school teams, fostering his passion for the sport amid a strong community football culture. He progressed to organized youth football with Huyton Boys, a school side that made history in 1971 by winning the English Schools Trophy—the first non-city team to achieve this feat—after defeating the Stoke Boys team 5-1 in the final at . This success, under the coaching of , showcased Reid's emerging talent as a and drew attention from professional clubs. At age 15, following trials and scouting interest, Reid joined Bolton Wanderers as an apprentice in July 1971, leaving school on the preceding Friday and reporting for duty the next Monday. This move marked his entry into professional youth development, where he signed formal apprentice terms in 1972 and began performing traditional duties like cleaning boots while training at . His family's encouragement played a key role in supporting his rapid transition to a full-time football pathway. Reid's youth training at emphasized physical conditioning suited to his role as a defensive , with coaches focusing on building endurance and strength through demanding regimens. Under manager and assistant —a 1958 World Cup winner—the young players underwent intensive fitness sessions, including stomach crunches to enhance . Later, under , Reid faced strict weight management, running laps with bricks in his hands to shed excess pounds and improve agility, reflecting the rigorous coaching approach that prioritized toughness and tactical discipline. These experiences, influenced by Bolton's staff emphasis on homegrown progression, honed Reid's combative style and prepared him for senior football.

Playing career

Club career

Peter Reid began his professional playing career with Bolton Wanderers in 1974, where he quickly established himself as a tough-tackling central known for his aggressive defending and leadership qualities. Over eight seasons, he made 225 appearances and scored 23 goals for the club, contributing significantly to their promotion to the First Division as Second Division champions in 1978. In December 1982, Reid transferred to Everton for a fee of £60,000, a bargain that proved pivotal to the club's success under manager . He went on to make 222 appearances and score 13 goals across all competitions, forming a key part of the midfield that drove Everton's dominant era. Reid was instrumental in their 1984 victory, starting in the 2-0 win over at , and played a central role in securing league titles in and 1987, as well as the 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup. His standout 1984-85 season, during which Everton achieved a league and cup double, earned Reid the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, recognizing his tireless work rate and defensive solidity that anchored the team's attacking flair. This form also led to his first international call-up for later that year. Reid left Everton in February 1989 on a free transfer to Queens Park Rangers, where he made 29 appearances and scored once in a brief stint. He then joined Manchester City in November 1990 as player-manager, adding 26 league appearances and a goal while transitioning into management. After leaving City in 1993, Reid had brief playing spells at Notts County (13 appearances, 0 goals in 1993–94) and Bury (7 appearances, 1 goal in 1994–95) before retiring in 1995. Overall, Reid's club career spanned 609 appearances and 37 goals, defined by his combative style and midfield authority.

International career

Peter Reid earned his first senior call-up to the national team in 1985, making his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to during a summer tour in the Ciudad de México Cup on 9 June 1985. His selection came amid injuries to established like and , allowing Reid to step in as a tenacious defensive known for his tackling and work rate, qualities honed during his standout performances at Everton where he was named PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1985. Over his international career spanning 1985 to 1988, Reid accumulated 13 caps without scoring a goal, often featuring in a holding role under manager . Reid's most prominent international involvement came at the in , where he was included in England's 22-man squad after impressing in pre-tournament friendlies, including substitute appearances against and . He started all three of England's matches from the final group-stage game onwards: the 3–0 victory over on 11 June, the 3–0 win against on 18 June (round of 16), and the quarter-final 1–2 loss to on 22 June, where he played until the 64th minute before being substituted. Reid later reflected on the Argentina game as a highlight tainted by Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal, describing the incident as "cheating" and noting the physical demands of the high-altitude Azteca Stadium. His performances in solidified his reputation as a reliable squad player, contributing to England's run to the quarter-finals. Following the , Reid continued to earn caps in friendlies and qualifiers, starting in the 1–1 draw with on 19 May 1987 during the and the 1–3 friendly defeat to on 9 September 1987. He made substitute appearances in qualifiers, including a 4–1 win over on 11 November 1987. Reid was named to the squad for in , wearing number 16, but did not feature in any of the three group matches or the semi-final loss to the after a 1–1 draw—England's best finish since 1968. His final cap came as a late substitute in a 1–0 friendly win over on 28 May 1988, just before the Euros. Reid's international career ended after Euro 1988, as he was omitted from subsequent squads, including the team, amid a dip in form and Everton's declining league position during the late . Despite the limited number of appearances, Reid expressed pride in his contributions, particularly in anchoring the midfield during key tournaments.

Managerial career

Manchester City

Peter Reid was appointed as player-manager of Manchester City on 15 November 1990, shortly after retiring from his playing career with the club. Having returned to City as a in December 1989, Reid stepped in following Howard Kendall's departure to Everton, taking over a side in 21st position in the First Division and facing an immediate relegation battle. Under his leadership, the team embarked on an impressive run, finishing fifth in the 1990–91 season and securing a place in the inaugural FA Premier League the following year. Reid's tenure from 1990 to 1993 marked a period of stabilization and ambition for City, with a tactical emphasis on attacking, entertaining football that contrasted with the more defensive approaches of predecessors. He integrated key signings such as striker , who had joined from earlier in 1990 and became a prolific goalscorer under Reid, netting 20 goals in his first full season, and defender , acquired from Derby County for a club-record £2.5 million in 1991. These additions contributed to another strong campaign, culminating in a fifth-place finish in the 1991–92 First Division and qualification for the UEFA Cup—though English clubs remained banned from European competitions at the time. Reid's strategies fostered a resilient squad, blending experienced players with emerging talents like David White and , and earned him popularity among supporters for restoring pride after years of mid-table struggles. The 1992–93 season saw City transition into the , where they finished ninth amid a competitive field, but early promise faded into inconsistency. Reid's overall record across all competitions stood at 59 wins in 136 games, reflecting a win percentage of approximately 43%, though his spending on transfers—exceeding £6 million on players like Curle and others—drew criticism for straining the club's finances without commensurate silverware. Despite this, he is credited with rebuilding the team's and instilling a winning mentality that positioned City as contenders rather than relegation fodder. Reid's departure came abruptly on 26 August 1993, after just four matches of the 1993–94 season, where City earned only one point from three defeats and a draw, prompting chairman to dismiss him as the first managerial casualty of the campaign. Supporters protested vehemently against the decision, viewing it as shortsighted given Reid's achievements in elevating the club from peril to prominence.

Sunderland

Peter Reid was appointed Sunderland manager on 31 March 1995, taking over a club teetering on the brink of relegation to the third tier of English football after a dismal campaign under previous leadership. Drawing lessons from his earlier sacking at Manchester City, where he had focused on rebuilding, Reid quickly stabilized the team and guided them to the First Division title in the 1995–96 season, securing promotion to the with a strong finish that included just one defeat in their final 13 league matches. Sunderland's top-flight return in 1996–97 ended in relegation after a narrow 19th-place finish, but Reid orchestrated an immediate return by winning the First Division championship in 1998–99 with a then-record 105 points from 46 games, including 31 victories and only three defeats. Central to this success were key signings such as striker Kevin Phillips, who emerged as the league's top scorer with 30 goals and formed a prolific partnership with , helping to forge an attacking style that captivated fans during what became known as the "Roker Roar" era of intense home support at . The 1997 move to the new marked a new chapter, coinciding with Reid's efforts to establish Sunderland as a stable outfit, where they achieved seventh-place finishes in both 1999–2000 and 2000–01. However, after relegation at the end of the 2001–02 season—the club's third top-flight demotion under Reid—the team struggled in the early 2002–03 campaign, winning just one of their first nine matches, leading to his sacking on 7 October 2002. Over his 7½-year tenure, Reid managed 353 league games, recording 159 wins, 95 draws, and 99 losses for a 45% win rate, establishing himself as a fan favorite for his passionate leadership and commitment to the club.

Leeds United

Peter Reid was appointed as caretaker manager of Leeds United on 21 March 2003, following the dismissal of , at a time when the club was engulfed in a severe with debts exceeding £100 million from previous high-profile spending on transfers and wages during their 2000–01 Champions League semi-final run. His prior success at , where he secured two promotions to the , influenced the board's decision to bring him in to salvage the team's status. Reid's immediate priority was survival, and he achieved this by winning six of Leeds' final ten league matches, including a 3–2 victory at and a 2–1 win over Newcastle United, which propelled the club eight points clear of the relegation zone. To combat the financial constraints, Reid implemented cost-cutting measures, including the reliance on loan signings like Salomon Olembé and , while integrating promising youth academy talents including , who made his debut in April 2003, and . These strategies provided short-term stability but highlighted the club's inability to retain core talent amid ongoing sales to service debts. Made permanent manager in May 2003 on a modest rolling contract reflecting the club's , Reid's tenure extended into the 2003–04 season, but results deteriorated with only one league win in the opening 11 fixtures, exacerbated by a 6–1 humiliation at —Leeds' heaviest defeat at the time. He was sacked on 10 November 2003 after 22 matches in all competitions, recording 6 wins, 4 draws, and 12 losses. The underlying financial turmoil persisted, leading to Leeds' relegation to the in 2004 under interim manager Eddie Gray and culminating in the club's administration in 2007, which resulted in a further drop to League One. Reid's spell is remembered as a valiant but ultimately futile effort to steady a sinking ship, earning for averting immediate relegation and nurturing young talents who later thrived elsewhere, though he could not halt the club's inexorable decline amid boardroom instability and mounting losses reported at £49.5 million for the year.

Other English clubs

Reid returned to management in May 2004 when he was appointed as City manager in the First Division, succeeding amid the club's struggles following relegation from the . His 191-day tenure focused on bolstering the defense to stabilize the team, but ongoing ownership disputes and interference from chairman Mike McGinnity created challenges. In 32 matches, Reid recorded 11 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses, with the team scoring 41 goals and conceding 49, leaving in 20th place. He departed by mutual consent in January 2005, citing frustration with external pressures. After a period away from club roles, Reid joined Stoke City as assistant manager to in September 2009, following his stint with the national team. Over six months in the , he contributed to the team's solid mid-table campaign, helping secure an 11th-place finish despite a challenging schedule. Reid's experience was credited with adding tactical depth, particularly in defensive organization, though he was not in a head coaching position. He left Stoke at the end of the 2009-10 season to pursue a managerial opportunity elsewhere. In June 2010, Reid was appointed Plymouth Argyle manager in League One, taking over a club in financial turmoil after relegation from the . Initially, he steadied the ship by avoiding immediate collapse during administration proceedings, personally funding operational costs like the fuel bill and selling his 1986 runners-up medal to support the squad. Over his 14-month spell until September 2011, Reid managed 60 games, achieving 16 wins, 9 draws, and 35 losses, with 58 goals scored and 102 conceded; the team suffered relegation to League Two in 2010-11 but showed resilience in survival efforts. He was sacked amid ongoing ownership instability and poor early results in the following season. Reid briefly returned to English football in March 2016 as assistant manager at Bolton Wanderers in the , rejoining his boyhood club under Jimmy Phillips during a relegation battle. His three-month involvement focused on coaching and survival strategies, but Bolton were relegated to League One at the season's end despite his efforts to instill defensive discipline. This marked his last domestic role before shifting primarily to media work.

International management

In 2008, Peter Reid was appointed as manager of the Thailand national football team by the Football Association of Thailand, signing a four-year contract aimed at qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His tenure, from July 2008 to September 2009, saw him oversee 15 matches, achieving 8 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses, including several friendly victories against teams such as North Korea (1-0), New Zealand (3-1), and Lebanon (2-1). A highlight was guiding Thailand to the final of the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup, where they topped Group B with wins over Vietnam (2-0), Laos (6-0), and Malaysia (3-0), advanced past Indonesia in the semi-finals (aggregate 3-1), but lost to Vietnam in the final (aggregate 3-2). Reid faced challenges in integrating his direct English style with Thai cultural norms, particularly the emphasis on preserving "face" to avoid , which required him to deliver privately rather than through on-pitch confrontations. He adapted by learning players' nicknames—such as "" or ""—to build and introduced modern player development practices, including core stability exercises and nutritional to replace traditional pre-match meals like chilli beef and . These efforts improved team fitness and professionalism, though incidents like a post-match brawl during Asian Cup qualifying highlighted ongoing adaptation issues. Reid's departure in September 2009 stemmed from contract clauses permitting him to leave for a role; the Thai FA rejected his proposal for a dual position, leading to a mutual parting after he accepted an assistant manager offer at Stoke City. He was praised for elevating the team's standards and results during his short stint, though the limited tenure curtailed deeper long-term impact on Thai football.

Mumbai City FC

In September 2014, Reid was appointed manager of for the inaugural season of the (ISL). He led the team through the league stage, securing a 5th-place finish with 12 points from 14 matches (3 wins, 3 draws, 8 losses), qualifying for the semi-finals where they were eliminated by Kerala Blasters. Reid's tenure focused on building a competitive squad with international players like Manuel Friedrich and introduced professional training standards to the franchise. He departed after the season ended in December 2014.

Media career and later activities

Punditry and broadcasting

Following his departure from management at Plymouth Argyle in 2011, Peter Reid transitioned into a full-time role in football broadcasting and ry. Reid began his prominent media work with the during the , where he served as a providing for the broadcaster's coverage. He became a regular contributor on programs such as , appearing as an analyst from 2001 through the 2020s, offering insights into matches and team tactics. His appearances extended to occasional expert on specials in the early 2000s, drawing on his experience as a former player and manager. In the 2000s and 2010s, Reid also worked as a pundit for Sky Sports, becoming a semi-regular on their Saturday results program Sky Sports News from 2007, where he analyzed live Premier League action. He provided similar commentary for ESPN during this period, focusing on English football broadcasts and known for his straight-talking, no-nonsense style that emphasized practical managerial perspectives. This candid approach, often rooted in his playing days as a tough-tackling midfielder, made him a distinctive voice in post-match discussions. In 2025, Reid continued his BBC involvement with a podcast episode marking the 30th anniversary of his appointment as manager, reflecting on the club's promotions and key achievements during his tenure. Later that year, he gave an interview for The Telegraph on October 25 ahead of 's match against Everton, and a Q&A for the official site on November 1, discussing his connections to both clubs and career highlights. Reid has also authored books sharing his experiences, including the 2017 autobiography Cheer Up Peter Reid: My Autobiography, published by Trinity Mirror Sport Media, which details his career and includes tactical observations from his time in .

Public appearances and other roles

Since retiring from full-time , Peter Reid has established himself as a sought-after football speaker for corporate events and after-dinner engagements, often booked through agencies such as Laughter , where he shares anecdotes from his playing and managerial career while emphasizing themes of and resilience. These appearances typically involve interactive sessions at sports dinners, days, and business functions, drawing on his experiences at clubs like Everton and to inspire audiences. In August 2025, Reid returned to a managerial role in a ceremonial capacity by leading the Everton Legends XI against Legends in a test match at the club's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, marking one of the venue's opening events ahead of the 2025-26 season. At age 69, he substituted himself into the game late on, describing the moment as his "last dance" and expressing pride in contributing to Everton's historic stadium transition. Reid frequently participates in fan and charity events, including a Q&A session with supporters on November 1, 2025 ahead of the club's match against Everton, where he reflected on his tenure and the Black Cats' legacy. Similar engagements, such as "An Evening with Peter Reid" at venues like Central Club in December 2025 and in March 2025, allow him to connect with fans through storytelling and questions, often supporting community causes. Reid has publicly discussed his 2016 hair transplant procedure at the Farjo Hair Institute, which he underwent to address thinning and has referenced in interviews as a positive personal decision, maintaining visibility on the topic into the . As of November 2025, he has shown no intention of returning to full-time management, focusing instead on these public and media pursuits that build on his punditry profile.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Peter Reid's club career, spanning from 1974 to 1995, encompassed 636 appearances and 41 goals across seven English clubs, primarily in the Football League divisions, , , and other competitions. His statistics reflect a tenacious midfield role, with the majority of appearances coming during his stints at Bolton Wanderers and Everton, where he contributed to promotion successes and title challenges. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club, including all competitions:
ClubYears ActiveTotal AppearancesTotal Goals
Bolton Wanderers1974–198225825
Everton1982–198923113
Queens Park Rangers1989311
Manchester City1989–19931012
1993–199480
Notts County199450
Bury1994–199520
Career Total1974–199563641
These figures include league matches (511 appearances, 33 goals), (62 appearances, 5 goals), (47 appearances, 2 goals), and other competitions (16 appearances, 1 goal).

International statistics

Peter Reid earned 13 caps for the England national team between 1985 and 1988, during which he did not score any goals. His international career included appearances in friendlies, the , and qualifiers for the and UEFA Euro 1988.
DateOpponentResultCompetitionRole
9 June 19850–1Ciudad de México CupSub (70')
12 June 19853–0Azteca 2000 TournamentStart
16 June 19855–0FriendlySub (63')
11 September 19851–1 qualifyingStart
23 April 19862–1FriendlySub (46')
24 May 19861–0FriendlySub
11 June 19863–0Start
18 June 19863–0Start (57')
22 June 19861–2Start (66')
19 May 19871–1Start
9 September 19871–3FriendlyStart
11 November 19874–1Sub (76')
28 May 19881–0FriendlySub (79')
Reid started seven matches and came on as a substitute in six, often providing defensive solidity in midfield.

Managerial statistics

TeamFromToMWDLWin %
Manchester City15 Nov 199026 Aug 199313157304443.51
29 Mar 19957 Oct 2002353159959945.04
Leeds United21 Mar 200310 Nov 200322641227.27
Coventry City5 Jun 20046 Jan 2005311081332.26
17 Jul 20089 Sep 2009321066.67
Plymouth Argyle24 Jun 201018 Sep 2011611693626.23
Mumbai City4 Sep 201420 Dec 20141444628.57
Total | | | 615 | 254 | 151 | 210 | 41.30 |

Honours

As a player

During his playing career, Peter Reid won several team honours with Bolton Wanderers and Everton, along with notable individual accolades, primarily during his time at in the mid-1980s. These achievements highlighted his role as a tenacious in successful squads, though he secured no international honours despite earning 13 caps for between 1985 and 1988.

Team honours

Individual honours

  • PFA Players' Player of the Year (1984–85)
  • (First Division, 1984–85)

As a manager

Reid began his managerial career with Manchester City in November 1990, guiding the team to promotion from the Second Division to the via the at the end of the 1992–93 season. This achievement marked his first major success as a manager, securing a return to the top flight after a period of mid-table struggles in the lower divisions. His most notable accomplishments came during his tenure at Sunderland, where he managed from March 1995 to 2002. Reid led the club to two promotions to the by winning the First Division title in the 1995–96 and 1998–99 seasons, the latter campaign culminating in a record 105 points. These triumphs established Sunderland as a competitive force in English football's second tier and highlighted Reid's ability to build resilient, high-performing squads. In his brief stint as head coach of the national team from 2008 to 2009, Reid guided the side to the T&T Cup title in 2008 and the final of the AFF Championship, though they lost to on away goals after a 3–3 aggregate draw. This represented notable progress for the team in regional competition, reaching the decisive stage for the first time under his leadership. Reid received individual recognition for his managerial prowess, including the League Managers' Association (LMA) Manager of the Year award in 1996 for Sunderland's first promotion success. He was also named Football League Division One Manager of the Year in 1998–99 following the record-breaking title win. Additionally, he earned Manager of the Month honors in October 1999 and December 2000 while at .

References

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