Steven Reid, a former Premier League midfielder and Republic of Ireland international, offers a candid look back at his career, the physicality of the game, and the characters that shaped it.
From his time at Blackburn Rovers under Mark Hughes to the infamous Saipan fallout, Reid shares insights on what made his teams tick, the toughest opponents he faced, and his thoughts on modern football.
The Physical Edge at Blackburn
I think so. At times, there needs to be a bit more nastiness in teams fighting for Premier League survival. You’re still watching teams play now that need to be more realistic about playing in the division. Mark Hughes was the catalyst for that. When he came in, we had meetings, prozone, and you’d get all your running stats after a game. Your sprints, jogs, high-intensity activities.
A lot of our work in training was built around making us the fittest team in the league, horrible to play against. We had three or four top-level Premier League players: Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz, Benni McCarthy, David Bentley. We had Morten Gamst Pedersen, Lucas Neill, Tugay, who for me was a genius, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. We always had real top players. But the beauty of that for me is that we had the ability to mix it up, fight and scrap.
Viera’s Physical Presence
That was what was difficult about those Arsenal teams in my era. They could play, but they could also beat you up. Someone like Patrick Vieira, a real specimen who could run, play, kick you, fight, and get into the referee, whatever needed to be done was done. That was the same for us.
I look at games now in the Premier League, and it can all be the same at times, lacking someone who can actually find a way to win, to get a result. Rather than it being a 0-3 or 0-4, you’re digging out a horrible draw away from home.
We knew as a team, one of our mantras was that if we were in a game at half-time, we knew we would run over a lot of teams because of the physicality, the running stats. We had evidence from our meetings that we had outsprinted the opposition. The stats were ridiculous; it was something like 80% of the time we’re going to get a result in the game. So a lot of it was built around that. It gave us that edge.
Ange’s Next Move
I really liked Ange Postecoglou. I was delighted he won a trophy. He got so much stick last season. For the Premier League, it wasn’t what anyone was expecting. I’d like to see him back in the Premier League. I think he’s earned the right to get a top European job.
I’m not sure which league, whether he is keen to stay or go to a foreign league. Only time will tell. But what I like about him is that he likes a challenge. Goes into clubs and rarely brings his own staff; he just goes in and usually keeps the staff there.
He just cracks on. We’ll see if he’ll have a break, or perhaps it might be international football. Who knows? He’ll be on the radar of clubs for sure.
Saipan Film Insights
I’m looking forward to it. I’m interested to see if there will be anyone playing myself! I can’t wait to see it. I watched a little of the trailers, and it looks like there is a bit of a creative license. It’s going to be a really interesting watch.
Having been there and part of their squad, it will be interesting seeing what they have turned it into. Can’t wait to see it.
Saipan Myths Debunked
A lot has been said about it by players and staff. I think with every story comes a different version. It was a long time ago, and memories are not what they were.
They fell out and Roy Keane went home; that’s not far from the truth in total. There aren’t any myths. Mick McCarthy had his say, Roy had his say, they had a big disagreement, and that was it.
Squad Unity Post-Saipan
It didn’t split the camp, no. It became the bigger picture, really, that there was going to be a World Cup kicking off in a couple of weeks. Everyone had their own opinion on it.
A couple of players went to see Roy Keane after and had that discussion, but I think in moments like that, people side with one more than the other, but the bigger picture is what it comes down to.
That bigger picture was a massive tournament. And I think performances showed there was that togetherness. Everyone has their own personal opinion, likes and dislikes.
It was never an issue. Roy came back into the fold and played a few more times. It did seem to be an issue for one or two players in certain games. But the bigger picture was the World Cup.
Casting Steven Reid
A younger version of Denzel Washington if that was possible! I don’t know whether they’re going to include real footage, clips from training and so on. Or the setting from where we had dinner that night. It’s going to be really interesting to see how they work it.
It looks like a decent line-up so far with Steve Coogan and Eanna Hardwicke. But there are a lot of bodies to fill within that lineup!
Coleman: An Irish Legend
Seamus Coleman has to be up there with the Irish greats in the game with the service he’s given. From what he cost Everton, £60k, to move over. The service he has given them and the longevity in the Premier League.
He holds the record for most Premier League appearances by an Irish player. And look at the amount of caps he has won, the leadership skills he’s got and the character he is. As an all-round package, he has to be up there with the top Irish players.
Pound-for-pound, you’d be hard pushed to find someone who has been better value for money.
Niall Quinn’s Potential LOI Investment
I think it’s whoever has the most cash, really. I could see someone like Niall Quinn in some capacity, with his experience as a player, manager. He was Sunderland chairman at one point; he’s been involved in consortiums. In terms of that all-around football admin, he gets the game, elder statesman type. I could see someone like him being involved.
It’s got to be someone who’s got that love of the League of Ireland. He’s obviously more focused on management at the moment, but Damien Duff would be one. Over the last four years, he’s given such great service to the league, with Shelbourne winning the league there.
It would just be interesting to see his next challenge. But I think it would be someone with the stature of Quinn.
Underrated Teammate
I would go for Barry Ferguson. It’s a little out of the blue, but we were struggling at the time, and I thought he was a top player, a leader. He was demanding and technically very good.
He didn’t hang around too long when he was at Blackburn, but I thought he was a top player who went under the radar a little bit. He had a great career, but I was surprised about the move back to Rangers rather than going up a level in the Premier League.
Dream Teammate
Steven Gerrard. He’s not my toughest opponent, but my favourite player. He was an all-rounder. He could mix it up, play deeper, play higher, could score from 30 years, tap in, score with his head, free kicks, delivery, short range and long range.
If you want to have a fight as well, he’ll smash you.
Toughest Opponent
Patrick Vieira, when I was in midfield. When I played at full-back, there were a few very tough operators like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and even players like Aaron Lennon could really move and shift you one way then the other way, quick off the mark.
But it would be Vieira for the size and stature of him, the strength and ability to go both ways. He could put his foot in, but he could play. He was a leader, too.
Roy Keane would be in there. I’d probably edge Roy on his leadership. You hear any Manchester United player from that era, the first name on their team sheet is probably Roy. But in a strange way, Vieira was my toughest opponent.
Hardest Teammate
Andy Todd. We used to drive in together. He was quiet and unassuming, but when he lost his head, clear the decks! He was a tough man.
Dressing Room Joker
David Bentley. He was a brilliant teammate, always up for a laugh. He loved the game. As soon as it became a bit too robotic for him, as he’s shared a little bit, he just wanted to step out of it and retired from the game early.
He was always up for a laugh, a fantastic teammate.
Stylish Teammate
Vince Grella when he was at Blackburn. He played for Australia but had Italian heritage and always had that Italian style. He was dressed well and had swagger. He was a cool guy.
Worst Dressed
I would go for Brad Friedel. Whatever he wore didn’t seem to fit him. Big oversized T-shirts or suits that seemed too big. He’s always wearing something that never fits.
Winner Stays On
Roy Keane vs Patrick Vieira
Keane
Keane vs Michael Essien
Keane
Keane vs Michael Carrick
Keane
Keane vs Yaya Toure
Keane
Keane vs Michael Ballack
Keane
Keane vs Luka Modric
On longevity and silverware, Modric.
Modric vs Frank Lampard
Modric
Modric vs Cesc Fabregas
Modric
Modric vs Paul Scholes
Modric.
Modric vs Steven Gerrard
Gerrard. He’s my favourite.
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