Peter Reid

Biography:

Peter Reid made his name as a tough no nonsense midfielder with a knack for overcoming the odds and it's a reputation he has transferred into football management, first with Manchester City and now in his hugely successful spell with Sunderland.

As a player, Reid won every domestic trophy going with Everton - the Football League, FA Cup and League Cup (twice), and also tasted European success with the Toffeemen in the European Cup Winners' Cup. He was also voted the PFA player of the year in 1985 and won thirteen caps for his country.

Reid transferred his playing success to success as a manager at Manchester City. He guided the Maine Road club to fifth in the table at the height of his success, but was sacked out of the blue by controversial chairman Peter Swales.

City's loss was Sunderland's gain, because Reid joined the Wearsiders in March 1995 when the team was at their lowest ebb at the foot of Division One. Six years later, and Sunderland had become one of the top eight sides in the Premiership.

When Reid took over at Roker Park, Sunderland were in real danger of dropping down into Division Two, but the colourful Merseysider helped the club avoid relegation that season and, just a year later they were storming to the First Division championship. The remarkable about turn in fortune earned Reid the prestigious Managers' Manager of the Year award in the 1995/96 season.

There were high hopes that Sunderland could establish themselves in the Premiership the following season, but it proved a tall order and they struggled in the top flight. Rather than attempt the quick fix and buy his way out of trouble, Reid stuck to his rebuilding plan and promised to be back soon.

They didn't make it back immediately after losing out in the Play-off final to Charlton in 1997/98 but his assertion proved correct because, backed by their impressive new stadium - the Stadium of Light - and their fanatical support, Sunderland once again stormed the First Division championship. They won the title by a record number of points in 1998/99 and booked their place back in the Premiership.

This time around, Sunderland remained in the Premiership and have surprised everyone by their relatively quick transformation into a team to be feared. The quest for Europe has quickly replaced the need to avoid relegation and Sunderland fans have Reid to thank for the club's remarkable turnaround in such a short space of time.

Previous Clubs

Previous clubs: Sunderland Man City