Reid interested in taking up reins after McCarthy departure
Reid has emerged as one of the favourites to succeed Mick McCarthy, and talk of a dream double-act with Irish stalwart Niall Quinn has increased since the striker’s retirement at the weekend.
He also has the advantage of having worked with Ireland players - including Quinn, Kevin Kilbane and Jason McAteer - at The Stadium of Light.
And despite his reputation as a patriotic Englishman, Reid says he has always had a soft spot for Ireland and would consider a return to management if the country’s bosses were to ask him.
“It’s a country that’s close to my heart,” said Reid. “I’d be interested in talking to them, but I don’t want to tout myself for the job.
Another ex-England favourite - Bryan Robson - has already put himself in the frame for the Ireland job, with former Ireland internationals John Aldridge and Joe Kinnear other bosses to declare an interest.
Reid made his name as a midfielder with a knack for overcoming the odds - a reputation he transferred to management, first with Manchester City and then in his seven-and-a-half year time at Sunderland.
As a player, Reid won every domestic trophy with Everton: the Football League, FA Cup and League Cup (twice), and also tasted European success with Everton in the European Cup Winners’ Cup. He was also voted the PFA player of the year in 1985 and won 13 caps for his country.
Reid transferred his playing success to success as a manager at Manchester City. Taking the reins at Maine Road in November 1990, he took the club to fifth in the table in his first two seasons in charge and ninth the following year.
However, after a draw and three defeats at the beginning of the next campaign he was surprisingly sacked by City’s controversial chairman Peter Swales.
Manchester City’s loss was Sunderland’s gain as Reid joined the Wearsiders in March 1995 when the team was at their lowest ebb at the foot of Division One.
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