Peter Reid

155 appearances

8 goals

Peter Reid played schoolboy football for Huyton Boys, a side that caused something of an upset when they won the English Schools Trophy in 1970. Many scouts came to the games and the chance came for Reid to join various clubs as an apprentice. He opted for Bolton Wanderers and made his debut as a substitute against Orient in October 1974.

Reid then established himself in the Wanderers side and was ever-present for the next two seasons as Bolton just missed out on promotion to the old First Division.

His cultured midfield play and his intense desire to be involved all the time were features of Bolton's Second Division Championship winning side of 1977-78, but injury struck in pre-season, and Reid missed out on Bolton's return to the top flight. He did recover in time to play against Everton on New Years' Day, but collided with 'keeper George Wood and suffered a broken leg which kept him out for a whole year.

He suffered another break in 1981 after Arsenal, Wolves and Everton had all offered £600,000 for him, and eventually he achieved his dream of playing in the top flight when he signed for Everton. This was to turn out to be one of Everton's most influential post war signings.

At the end of the 1984-85 season, Reid's most injury-free period, Everton had won the League, the Cup Winners's Cup, and Reid was selected by the Professional Footballer's Association as their player of the year.

Reid was the inspiration behind Everton's revival, powerfully initiating attacks while blocking and threatening the skils (and often careers!) of the opposition.

At Goodison Park he won two League Championship medals, an FA Cup winner's medal and a Cup Winner's Cup winners medal along with 13 England caps, the first as a sub against Mexico in 1985.

In 1987-88 Reid was appointed as Player/Coach at Everton before being transferred to QPR in 1989.

Reid has managed Sunderland, Manchester City and Leeds, and was tipped by many as the replacement of Walter Smith before David Moyes took charge.