Reid to be unveiled as new Thai coach

Former Sunderland and Manchester City manager Peter Reid is set to be unveiled as the new coach of Thailand at the end of the month.

The Bangkok Post reported yesterday that Reid and ex-Canada coach Holger Osieck were the front-runners to replace Chanvit Phalajivin, who resigned last month after failing to lead Thailand to the final round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.

But after Osieck – who led Urawa Reds to victory in the Asian Champions League last season – decided against returning to Asia, Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi announced the coup late last night.

“I had a chance to consult Sir David Richards, the chairman of the FA Premier League, on our search for a new national coach during my overseas trip. He recommended Reid as a suitable choice, given his vast experience,” Worawi is quoted in The Nation.

“Then, I held talks with Reid about the possibility we could work together. He didn’t take much time to consider our offer because of his affection for our country.”

Reid, who led Sunderland to promotion twice during a seven-year spell, has not held a manager’s position since leaving Coventry in January 2005.

Worawi revealed 52-year-old Reid would be officially unveiled at the end of July and would sign a four-year deal.

Reid will be tasked with preparing Thailand, who are currently ranked 111th by FIFA, for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and will be assisted by a local Thai management team.