Peter Reid feted at Roker as 70th celebrations begin with Sunderland faithful | OneFootball

Peter Reid returned to Sunderland on Saturday, 6 June for an emotional night at the Roker Hotel that launched celebrations for his 70th birthday, which falls on 20 June.

According to Sunderland Echo, North East broadcaster Paul Goffy Gough guided a packed audience through Reid’s life and career with laughter, memories and tributes from figures across the game.

Promotion winners Kevin Phillips and Micky Gray saluted their former manager, with Phillips calling him the greatest influence on his career and an absolute legend. Chris Kamara reflected on a long friendship. Tony Mowbray, Peter Shilton and Teesside comedian Roy Chubby Brown also sent messages.

There were poignant moments too, including Reid’s devotion to Everton and his bond with the late Bradley Lowery. He entered to the anthem Cheer Up Peter Reid as the room stood to sing, a deafening welcome for a club icon.

Reid described the evening as an emotional rollercoaster, said the ovation would stay with him, and spoke warmly of a seven year journey with Sunderland. He thanked supporters, shared a story from an attendee who met his late wife during a hospital visit he made, and said he has enjoyed watching the club’s recent progress.

During the weekend he visited former assistant Bobby Saxton as the pair reminisced about guiding Sunderland from Roker Park to the Stadium of Light. To round off the event, Gough presented Reid with a Sunderland themed cake, champagne and a framed photographic montage.

Source: Sunderland Echo