Peter Reid returns to Roker for emotional 70th birthday celebration | OneFootball

Peter Reid returned to Wearside on Saturday 6 June for the emotional start of his 70th birthday celebrations at the Roker Hotel. He turns 70 on 20 June.

According to Sunderland Echo, broadcaster Paul Goffy Gough led a packed evening that charted Reid’s life and career through laughter, memories and tributes.

Sunderland promotion heroes Kevin Phillips and Micky Gray saluted their former manager, with Phillips calling him the biggest influence on his career and a legend. Chris Kamara reflected on their long friendship and time together on Goals on Sunday.

Former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray and England goalkeeping great Peter Shilton appeared on screen, while Roy Chubby Brown recalled Reid’s years living in Yarm. The evening also reflected on his devotion to Everton and his bond with the late Bradley Lowery.

Reid walked in to ‘Cheer Up Peter Reid’ as the room rose to sing, a deafening welcome that set the tone. He later described the night as an emotional rollercoaster, full of laughs, vivid memories and moments that moved him.

He said Sunderland and its people will always have a huge place in his heart, reflecting on his seven-year journey, and he thanked supporters for an unforgettable night. A story of a fan who met his late wife after one of Reid’s hospital visits particularly touched him, and he has enjoyed the club’s recent progress.

Over the weekend he visited former assistant Bobby Saxton, ‘Sacko’, with whom he helped steer the club from Roker Park to the Stadium of Light. The night closed with a Sunderland-themed cake, champagne and a framed montage presented by organiser Goffy Gough.

Source: Sunderland Echo