July 29 has proved to be a momentous day for former Sunderland player Andy Reid as not only has he turned 34 but he has also called time on his playing career in the same breath.
Reid started at Nottingham Forest in 2000 before moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic followed.
A last minute purchase by Roy Keane in January 2008 then saw Reid join up with the Irish contingency on Wearside.
The Republic of Ireland star quickly settled at the Stadium of Light and made an instant impact on his debut in February as he assisted Daryl Murphy’s 25-yard pile-driver against Wigan Athletic for a goal made in Ireland.
A month later, Reid turned finisher as his expertly taken volley deep, deep into stoppage time nestled in the bottom corner and handed Sunderland a seismic three points over West Ham United.
A memorable brace in a 4-1 win at Norwich City followed a year later before his strike against Hull City guided the Lads to another victory by the same scoreline.
Remembered for being a well-built midfield unit, Reid held all the qualities to be a top draw player and scored six times in 80 appearances for Sunderland.
However, Reid failed to nail down a regular place in the starting XI and that saw him sent on loan to Sheffield United.
A move to Blackpool followed before the Irishman returned to Nottingham Forest for his second spell at the City ground in 2011.
Reid remained at Forest for a further five years but has now called time on his playing career.
Everyone at Sunderland AFC would like to wish Andy a very happy 34th birthday and all the best in his next career path.
