Steven Reid

[MuckaTucka]

Reid failed his medical at Celtic apparently. It doesn't mean that the move is off, just that the medical staff have raised concerns about the health of his knees which could mean reduced terms being offered.

[Charlie Darwin]

He looked a certainty to join West Brom initially. I wonder if their medics had reached the same conclusion and decided not to make it public. Sad for him in any case - hopefully he can take the financial hit and prove the docs wrong.

[jbyrne]

He looked a certainty to join West Brom initially. I wonder if their medics had reached the same conclusion and decided not to make it public. Sad for him in any case - hopefully he can take the financial hit and prove the docs wrong.

has apparently signed a two year contract with west brom today after passing a medical. good news if true

[Park_Lane]

Confirmed. Two year contract with the option of another 12 months.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0526/reids.html

[geysir]

The report of a failed Celtic medical comes from the Scottish Daily Record, which means automatic total disbelief until substantiated elsewhere.

Very good news for Reid with a 2 year contract, with at least one of the years playing in the epl.

[Charlie Darwin]

has apparently signed a two year contract with west brom today after passing a medical. good news if true
He certainly made a fool out of me. You're a worthy foe, Reid...

[Sullivinho]

I must admit, I thought Steven had 'pay as you play deal' written all over him but fair play to him for earning a decent contract. He's yet to even hint at international retirement too, which might have been a temptation for someone with his history of injuries looking to land a deal.

[elroy]

We really could do with a fit Stevie Reid back playing for us again, if fit and available he walks into the midfield imp. Heres hoping for a long and injury free season for the lad.

[OwlsFan]

Reid failed his medical at Celtic apparently. It doesn't mean that the move is off, just that the medical staff have raised concerns about the health of his knees which could mean reduced terms being offered.

Ah Scottish doctors (like Burke & Hare) - sure what do they know?

Apparently, Birmingham A & E have set aside the "Keith O'Neill Memorial Suite" for Steven's first visit (probably next wk).

Really hope it works out for him but I fear the worst. He is one of those players who you fear for everytime he even runs out on to the pitch and hope he doesn't pull a muscle in so doing!

[OwlsFan]

Steven Reid calls time on Ireland career Tuesday, 13 July 2010 11:30

Steven Reid has retired from international football to concentrate on his club career.
Reid has 23 caps for Ireland to date and made his debut in the 2-2 friendly against Croatia in Lansdowne Road in 2001 after he caught the eye of Mick McCarthy with impressive performances for Millwall and the Ireland Under 21s.
'It was a tough decision because I've had some terrific times with Ireland,' said Reid, who earlier this month signed a two-year West Bromwich Albion deal, plus a further year's option.
'But having weighed everything up, I know this is the right decision. The injuries I've had over the past couple of years have been well documented and I've taken this step to prolong my club career and to spend more time with my family.
'It's a decision I came to after lengthy discussions with the club's medical staff and my family. I've had some unforgettable times with Ireland, the highlight being making two appearances at the World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea in 2002 and it has always been a huge honour for me to wear the Irish jersey.
'It's just a shame my injuries cut short the number of caps I possibly could have won over the past few years.'
He continued: 'I wish the squad every success for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers and thank the players, the back room team and the management for their help, support and friendship over the past nine years. I would also like to say a massive thank you to all the Irish fans for their support. They always got behind me and it was an honour to represent them.'
Reid featured in games against Germany and Cameroon in the 2002 World Cup. He subsequently played under Brian Kerr, Stephen Staunton and Giovanni Trapattoni. He scored two international goals, the first against Russia in February 2002 and on the eve of the World Cup against Nigeria in May 2002. He also had the honour of captaining Ireland against the Netherlands in August 2006.
Speaking in recognition of Reid's contribution to international football, Giovanni Trapattoni said: 'We are sorry to hear about Steven's decision to retire from international football to concentrate on his club career at West Bromwich Albion.
'His commanding presence for the Republic of Ireland will be missed by his teammates and fans alike. Steven always showed tremendous commitment to the Irish jersey even during difficult times in his career and for that we thank him most warmly. On behalf of the Irish team, we wish Steven well for his future club career and we thank him for his outstanding commitment.'
Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane said: 'Steven was always a great player to have around the Ireland camp both on and off the pitch. His talent and experience was invaluable in midfield and on a personal level, it was always a pleasure to play alongside him. On behalf of the squad, I would like to wish him all the best for his future club career.'

[Colbert Report]

Fair play to the lad, good luck with his fitness for the rest of his career. Class act.

[Crosby87]

Damn who are we all going to whine about never being healthy? Hey where is Terry Dixon anyway?

[Torn-Ado]

Dissappointed. I really thought that he could be an important part of our midfield for a campaign or two if he got his fitness back on track. Thanks for everything Steve, you always gave 100% and were never found wanting.

:(

[back of the net]

Gutted about hearing this. An absolute class act. A player whom i have no doubt would have made it to the top if it wasnt for his injuries.


Many thanks Steve for all your endeavour and pride you showed when wearing the green of ireland and may the remainder of your club career be injury free and succesful, The best of luck.

[elroy]

Disappointed to see him go. Definitely think he couldve offered us something, particularly as he seems to have had a good few months injury free. Fully fit, certainly one of our stronger midfielders, but for some reason Trap appeared to right him off a few months back.

[amaccann]

Sad to see him hang up his (international) boots; however, never say never. Considering how many managers hate international matches, it's a canny move by Reid, who is surely considered damaged goods by some & knows that playing international games could be a fast way to ruin his club career. So if he gets a full season or two under his belt, don't be surprised if he offers his services again.

[OwlsFan]

He looked the real deal in the early part of Trapp's reign until the usual injuries came back to plague him. Lets be honest though, if you saw his getting on the same plane as you, you'd immediately start looking for the parachute.

[brine3]

Easily the best central midfielder we've had since Roy. Class player, always passed the ball around nicely when others were panicking.

If it wasn't for the injuries, he could possibly be anchoring the Man Utd midfield. He could have been that good.

Very disappointed he quit Ireland, but understandable I suppose.

[Razors left peg]

I can understand that his injury record would lead him to this decision, but the line about wanting to spent more time with his family is shyte of the highest order. Has he not had enough time with them while he wasnt playing for basically the last 2 years. Not just picking on Reidy to be fair, it just bugs me when footballers say that. They finish trainin most days at about 1 and retire when they are 35 so they get more time with their families than any other workin man.

Anyway rant over. Top class player who if not for his injury record would have been playing for one of the top teams in England in my opinion and he always gave us 100% when playing for us. Very disappointed that he didnt try give it one more campaign at least but I would imagine that he was put under some pressure when signing his new contract and I guess that has to come first.

[OwlsFan]

I can understand that his injury record would lead him to this decision, but the line about wanting to spent more time with his family is shyte of the highest order. Has he not had enough time with them while he wasnt playing for basically the last 2 years. Not just picking on Reidy to be fair, it just bugs me when footballers say that. They finish trainin most days at about 1 and retire when they are 35 so they get more time with their families than any other workin man..

True. It's just a cliche that's used. Shame to see him go.

[centre mid]

Still seems keen on coming back into the Ireland squad, would be delighted for him if he ever did manage to play for Ireland again.


"I have made the decision, but I am not ruling it out for the future. I haven't spoken to the manager since I made the decision, but if there was a desperate need, and a few injuries, then who knows? But until I get the phone call...."


more here (http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2010/10/15/Steven-Reid-interview/gnid-79000/)

[SwanVsDalton]

I like Stephen Reid a lot but he's not setting the world alight yet. With his injuries, and retirement, I think he's at the back of the queue until he gets some regular starts for West Brom and turns in the kind of performances we would hope for - but if he does and deserves a call-up, no reason why not.

[eaststand85]

I like Stephen Reid a lot but he's not setting the world alight yet. With his injuries, and retirement, I think he's at the back of the queue until he gets some regular starts for West Brom and turns in the kind of performances we would hope for - but if he does and deserves a call-up, no reason why not.

Unfortunately none of our other midfield options are either, would be great news if we could get him back.

[SwanVsDalton]

Unfortunately none of our other midfield options are either, would be great news if we could get him back.

Yeah but even relative to what we've got - sure he hasn't had a run of games at centre mid at any level for about two years.

[Stuttgart88]

I hate this "until I get the phone call" rubbish. Why not make the phone call yourself?

[elroy]

Would be delighted to welcome Stevie back. His performances in the first two games of the last campaign alone merit his inclusion in the squad. Couldve been a top midfielder, but injury denied him that. My only concern would be that he is not seeing much game time at present, just three substitute appearances and he doesnt appear to be playing in CM anymore.

[irishfan86]

I hate this "until I get the phone call" rubbish. Why not make the phone call yourself?

Especially given the fact that he retired. When a player retires, and then wants to come back, I think notifying the manager makes the most sense...

[OwenGoal]

I hate this "until I get the phone call" rubbish. Why not make the phone call yourself?

I don't think, in this case, he's saying that. I think he's simply saying "I'll answer the call, if they need me". But you can't be in the squad until you're called.

[eaststand85]

Yeah but even relative to what we've got - sure he hasn't had a run of games at centre mid at any level for about two years.

Take your point but definitely has to be considered an option if he get's back playing regularly?

[paul_oshea]

I hate this "until I get the phone call" rubbish. Why not make the phone call yourself?

somewhat in agreement to what owlsfan is saying, I think he is being modest here. He believes that the Ireland squad is pretty much in place for euro 2012, and that it is not up to him to ring the manager, its if the manager wishes to ring him. He is basically saying I would like to be involved if they need me, but thats solely up to the manager and obviouslly not my choice. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion. In fact I think he handled it very well.

The timing of the publication and the injuries occuring, without anyone called up, it all seems very well timed...especially his comments.

[shaneker]

Reading that, it's pretty clear what he's saying: he retired for a reason, that reason hasn't changed, but if there was a 'desperate need' i.e. mass injuries in CM combined with suspensions, he might come back for a game or two to help us out. He says nothing about coming back properly.

He gave us come of the best performances of his career, he's retired to try to prolong that career, and he's saying he's willing to help us out in a crisis. A gentleman.

[paul_oshea]

is there a parrot in the room.

But yes gentleman of the highest order, thats exactly how i would see it.

[SwanVsDalton]

Take your point but definitely has to be considered an option if he get's back playing regularly?

Definitely. It's a big if - but if he does, a fit and in-form Steven Reid would be a huge asset.

[Fixer82]

He can't really lose in what he's saying and he's not exactly committing to the cause either.
It's a bit of a 'come and get me if you're really stuck' kind of call but he's not willing to make the effort.
Great player though. Could do with a fully fit Steven Reid. If there is such a thing...

[Charlie Darwin]

On after 15 minutes to shore the West Brom defence after they went down to 10 men. Replaced the luckless Simon Cox.

[IsMiseSean]

9 men now...

[awayfan]

Steven Reid likely to be played at right back tonight for the BAGGIES away to West Ham as cover for the suspended Jaro.

[Junior]

Won a penalty for them.

[tetsujin1979]

assist on the goal too.

[IsMiseSean]

I'd love to see Reid back in the squad and eventually the team. I think he still has a lot to offer if he can stay fit.

[macdermesser]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/1112/1224283149882.html

Allardyce won't let sleeping dogs lie

[SwanVsDalton]

He still wants to play for Ireland because he’s a passionate, quality guy, never mind being a footballer.

Is that why he retired? Big Sam talking out his hoop per usual.

[geysir]

I think Sam talks some sense in that interview.
And I wouldn't mind seeing Steven Reid back in the squad.
We have not been able to depend on Andrews being fit for our games so far in this campaign and Reid is a proven player who could've slotted in there.

[SwanVsDalton]

I think Sam talks some sense in that interview.
And I wouldn't mind seeing Steven Reid back in the squad.
We have not been able to depend on Andrews being fit for our games so far in this campaign and Reid is a proven player who could've slotted in there.

If he proves his fitness at centre midfield, I wouldn't mind it either. But sporadically appearing at right back for West Brom doesn't prove much of anything.

It's all irrelevant anyway since he retired. If he wants to play for Ireland, let him say it - then the merits can be debated.

[LFCSixty/Eighty]

[QUOTE=It's all irrelevant anyway since he retired. If he wants to play for Ireland, let him say it - then the merits can be debated.[/QUOTE]

I think this is him saying exactly that.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/1015/1224281152605.html

[SwanVsDalton]

He can't put in any more terms than this surely. Fact is he'll come back if he's picked.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/1015/1224281152605.html

Of course he can. He says:


“I haven’t spoken to the manager since I made the decision, but if there was a desperate need, and a few injuries, then who knows. But until I get the phone call . . .”

"Desperate need"? Few injuries"? Come on - when he retired, he removed himself for consideration. If he wants to be picked he can say: "I am no longer retired." Simple.

I think it was Stutts who said, earlier in thread, he can make the phone call himself. Stop all this playing hard to get nonsense. The idea of him parachuting into the squad off the back of an SOS call is an insult to the midfielders who have made it abundantly clear they actually want to play for Ireland.

[LFCSixty/Eighty]

If he wants to be picked he can say: "I am no longer retired." Simple.

So he says I'm no longer retired only for him not to be picked again. He says, if he get a phone call he'll come back, what more do you want him to say. Maybe Trap should get off his comfy couch in Italy and head over to see him play, he was the one who said he was a crock after all. Let him make up his own mind if that is still the case instead of giving glib answers to the press about a player he never sees play.


The idea of him parachuting into the squad off the back of an SOS call is an insult to the midfielders who have made it abundantly clear they actually want to play for Ireland.

Its obvious Steven Reid was a proud as anyone to play for Ireland and would do so again if called upon. How would it be an INSULT to our most 'loyal' of servants Paul Green for him to be dropped for a man who has played with distinction in the Irish jersey since 2001??

[geysir]

I think it was Stutts who said, earlier in thread, he can make the phone call himself. Stop all this playing hard to get nonsense. The idea of him parachuting into the squad off the back of an SOS call is an insult to the midfielders who have made it abundantly clear they actually want to play for Ireland.
I think you are way too harsh and in no honest way could the recalling of SR in the squad be regarded as an insult. His decision to retire was made in context of his physical fitness.
Bear in mind that Reid pick up his last major injury while playing for Ireland and to all observers played virtually a whole match hobbling around the pitch with that injury. And who know just how much decision exaggerated the seriousness of that injury.
He is not playing hard to get, because he is not making any noise about being willing to play again. He is not saying he should or could be in the squad but that if there was a crisis he would be prepared to come out of retirement.

[SwanVsDalton]

So he says I'm no longer retired only for him not to be picked again.

So he shouldn't make himself available in case he gets his feelings hurt?


He says, if he get a phone call he'll come back, what more do you want him to say.

I want him to say what Lee Carsley said in 2005: "As soon as I am playing again, I will be straight on the phone saying I want to be considered for the Ireland squad" There - not so hard is it? It's a tad better than some wishy-washy statement in the media.


Maybe Trap should get off his comfy couch in Italy and head over to see him play, he was the one who said he was a crock after all. Let him make up his own mind if that is still the case instead of giving glib answers to the press about a player he never sees play.

Trap always selected Reid when available. The player has only missed out through injury and retirement. So it's fair to assume Trap is aware of Reid's abilities. Meanwhile the comment Trap made was over a year ago when Reid was miles from fitness. If the fitness situation has changed great, except since then Reid, you guessed it, retired. So the ball's very much in his court, not Trap's.


Its obvious Steven Reid was a proud as anyone to play for Ireland and would do so again if called upon.

Didn't say otherwise.


How would it be an INSULT to our most 'loyal' of servants Paul Green for him to be dropped for a man who has played with distinction in the Irish jersey since 2001??

What Reid has done playing is irrelevant. He RETIRED. And regardless of how anyone feels about Green's quality, his commitment is obvious because he isn't flashing coy come thither looks at Trap. Instead he's simply made it clear he's available. Simple.

And it would be an insult if a player who's made no case for inclusion and only made himself available in case of emergency automatically jumped in front of Whelan, Green, Andrews and Gibson, not to mention the likes of McCarthy, Fahey and Wilson. We don’t have an emergency – so let Reid compete for a place based on present form and commitment instead of relying on past performances.

If he does so then we can have the debate. For my money Steven Reid has a way to go yet since he hasn't had a run of games at centre mid at any level for over two years. But if he's fit and in-form, great, because he'd be undoubtedly be an asset.

But it’s irrelevant – he's retired. If he isn’t, then he shouldn’t be so shy about it. No half measures, no 'in case of emergency', no ego-massaging. Just 'I want to be considered for the squad no matter what the situation.' It's the least requirement for anyone pulling on the green.

[SwanVsDalton]

I think you are way too harsh and in no honest way could the recalling of SR in the squad be regarded as an insult. His decision to retire was made in context of his physical fitness. Bear in mind that Reid pick up his last major injury while playing for Ireland and to all observers played virtually a whole match hobbling around the pitch with that injury. And who know just how much decision exaggerated the seriousness of that injury.

Of course , and at no point have I suggested otherwise. I have a lot of sympathy for Steven's reasons for retiring and his commitment to the team, when playing, is unquestionable.

But it would be an insult to those players. For a retired player to be chosen ahead of them because of an emergency SOS plea would be a kick in the teeth. I mean, people on here talk about McCarthy throwing his head up about not getting in the squad - how would he feel if a player who's officially retired was included in front of him? In centre mid we may have a dearth of quality, but in that case let Reid join the compeitition for places by officially coming out of retirement and actually competing.


He is not playing hard to get, because he is not making any noise about being willing to play again. He is not saying he should or could be in the squad but that if there was a crisis he would be prepared to come out of retirement.

Well a statement about coming back in an emergency would certainly qualify as 'noise about willing to play again' But regardless, I agree since I'm arguing on the basis that's exactly what he said and he's still in retirement.

BTW I'm not passing judgement whatever Reid decides to do. Whatever it is, I have a lot of respect for him. I'm just debating the merits of calling up a retired player, only available in an emergency, when there is no emergency and he's still retired. This came off the back of Big Sam's assertion he should be in the squad.