Peter Reid
Born: Huyton, Liverpool, 20th June 1956
15th November 1990 - 26th August 1993
Almost at the insistence of supporters Peter Reid was given the manager’s job on a permanent basis following Kendall’s departure. Fans had grown weary of managerial changes and desperately wanted consistency, and Reid began his reign continuing the positive aspects of Kendall's reign.
Under Reid the Blues progressed finishing fifth in the table in consecutive seasons and made several high profile player purchases, such as Keith Curle and Terry Phelan (for a reported £2.5m each). Several popular players were sold, however, including Colin Hendry, Neil Pointon, and Steve Redmond.
Reid kept City's momentum going for his first two seasons, but his third was more of a struggle. Nevertheless the Blues still finished ninth, however it felt as if the Club had missed a great opportunity to become a dominant nineties force, especially as City were only eight points off relegation. Reid’s City did reach the 6th round of the F.A. Cup, but a disgraceful performance was the catalyst for some supporters to invade the pitch. A 5-2 home defeat by Kendall's Everton on the final day of the League programme brought more pain.
Some suggested that the appointment of Sam Ellis as Reid’s assistant had made City’s style more negative and had actually reduced the opportunity of City challenging.
During the summer Reid was given an extended contract, and yet after the fourth match of the new season he was dismissed. Supporters then demonstrated against Peter Swales. The general feeling was that Swales had sacked one manager too many, and that he had obviously had doubts during the summer yet still gave Reid a new contract. The fans kept asking "why?"
Overall Reid’s record was impressive when compared with some of his predecessors and some of those that followed. Since City, Reid took Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League twice, and has had spells at Leeds United and Coventry City.
All history and statistical material has been produced based on the research and writing of Manchester football historian Gary James (www.facebook.com/GaryJames4). It is maintained by Ric Turner & Gary James. All text remains the copyright of the original contributors.
Gary's book, Manchester - the City Years: Tracing the Story of Manchester City from the 1860s to the Modern Day, is available to order on Amazon.