Former player speaks following his return to the club where he made his name as a teenager
Having officially returned to his former club on Friday morning, Peter Reid revealed in an exclusive interview that he is raring to get going in his new advisory role with Wanderers.
A former midfielder who started his career with the Whites as a teenager, he spent eight years as a professional at Burnden Park in the 1970s and 80s before going on to feature for the likes of Everton, Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City throughout the remainder of his playing days.
Figuring prominently in management and coaching since retiring some twenty plus years ago, Reid has now come full circle as he returns to the club where he made his name as a youngster.
And speaking to the club’s official website, he explained just how his move back to the Trotters came about.
“Jimmy Phillips, who was a young player when I was here many, many years ago, asked if I’d give him a hand on the football side of things,” said Reid.
“We all know that it’s been a difficult time for the football club but I’ve come in to help and it starts with Bristol City tomorrow.
“Hopefully between now and the end of the season, we can get some results and victories for the football club.
“I remember some of the people who work here from when I was here originally, but it’s good to be back and on the training pitch.
“I’m still local and I know what the football club means to the people and I’m looking forward to playing a small part in that.
“I basically got a phonecall to ask if I’d be interested and it’s a club that’s dear to my heart – I signed when I was a 15-year-old from Huyton in Liverpool and had great times here.
“It’s a club I’ve always followed, I live in the area as most people know and when I got the call, I knew it was a great opportunity to come back to the football club, help Jim and hopefully help the team get a few results which is the most important thing.”
He continued: “The club, like any club, has had its highs and lows over the years, but recently it’s fallen on hard times but now we have the new owners in place.
“With that in mind, you’d hope that it will be a new dawn and to be a part of that is fantastic for me personally and hopefully we can be successful towards the end of the season.”
Reid also paid tribute to Dean Holdsworth following his own recent return to the club, saying, “I know Dean very well. As a player, he did well for Bolton and knows a lot about the place – he’s come in here looking to resurrect the club.
“Ultimately, Bolton Wanderers is a great football club with a great history and tradition – we just need to try and get it back on track.
“Alongside that, I of course know Jimmy well and I know that Bolton Wanderers is his football club so we’ll be working together to restore some pride.
“The supporters have stuck by the club – it’s their football club ultimately. Owners will come and go and that’s the nature of the business, but a football club is the fans.
“It’s been a difficult time but they’ve stood by their team and hopefully this is a new dawn.”