As former manager Peter Reid celebrates his 60th Birthday, safc.com pay homage to the former Black Cats boss, looking back at how the charismatic Liverpudlian brought beautiful football back to Wearside.
There is no question that Peter Reid must be considered one of Sunderland’s all-time greats. His dedication to the club, warmth around it and success on the pitch over the course of seven years took the Black Cats from the bottom of the second tier to European hopefuls.
In March 1995, Sunderland were embroiled in a dogged relegation fight and with games running out and points at a premium, Reid took the reins at Roker Park.
The former defensive midfielder was a proven tactician on the pitch. He made over 200 appearances for Bolton Wanderers before becoming one of the greatest players on the planet in an impressive Everton side.
He was voted PFA Footballer of the Year in 1985, picking up FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup medals that season, and came fourth in World Soccer’s World Player of the Year, behind the likes of Diego Maradona and eventual winner Michel Platini.
In two years as boss of Manchester City, Reid twice led the Citizens to league finishes above their city rivals Manchester United.
“I’d left Manchester City and been out of work” Reid recalls, “when Sunderland came calling – the club is massive and was having a sticky spell – I got the job for seven games.
“I remember the first game. I think it was on April Fools’ Day and Sheffield United were going for promotion.
“Dave Bassett was in charge and he had a good side, but the crowd at Roker had come out and the support was fantastic. It was a massive game and it did everything for the confidence.
He added: “I remember it really, really well.”
Sunderland won 1-0 that day and would go on to secure survival with three wins and three draws from their final seven games.
Incredibly, under the new guidance of manager Reid, Sunderland were transformed from basement club to table-toppers in the space of a year.
Reid brought in Paul Bracewell as his assistant which was a pivotal decision in changing the fortunes of the club, and a move Sam Allardyce has recently looked to emulate.
The team went on to record nine straight wins in the New Year to secure the Division One title.
“The following season was ridiculous, getting promotion,” continued Reid. “The crowd bought into it and we sort of got onto a rollercoaster, with likes of [Andy] Melville, Ordy [Richard Ord], Bally [Kevin Ball] and Mickey Gray.
“Brace was magnificent.”
Reid and co. would repeat the feat in 1998-99 season, this time ripping up record books in the process, and with the dynamic duo of Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn up front, the Black Cats were producing a new class of football.
“Some of the displays out there were absolutely outstanding. It was a real good period for me personally, and for the football club.”
Sunderland romped their way to a club record 19 League games unbeaten that season, amassing a record-breaking 105 points on their way to the title as promotion was secured with an unprecedented four games to spare.
Sunderland’s return to the Premiership is arguably best known for the win over Chelsea that season, now immortalised on a billboard between St. Peter’s Metro station and the Stadium of Light.
“First season up, we got beat at Stamford Bridge - well beat. It was a wake-up call about how good the league is.
“The corresponding game in December, we were four up after about 22 minutes. My two central midfield players that day were Erik Roy and Paul Thirlwell, playing against the likes of Gus Poyet and [Gianfranco] Zola.
“Quinny got two and Phillips got two. The club and support were on such a roll and we would give anyone a game out there.”
By January 2001, Reid had led Sunderland to second in the Premiership.
His steadying of the ship during that transitional time in the club’s history, along with the class and charisma that came with it, has earned him the respect and gratitude of every Sunderland fan and player alike.
Sunderland AFC would like to wish Peter a very Happy Birthday.
