Nicky Reid was thrust in to the spotlight at the age of 18 when Malcolm Allison selected him to mark Allan Simonsen in the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarter-final against Borussia Monchengladbach. It was an amazing selection at the time, but Relid did enough to justify Alllson’s bold move.
Reid retained his place for the second leg, and then eleven days later he almost scored in his League debut against Ipswich. The following May he captalned the Blues to the FA Youth Cup final, and was voted Clty’s young player ofthe year.
Reid played mainly in defence for the Blues, but he also had spells in midfield, most notably following the arrival of Kevin Bond in 1981. At the time supporters were not happy with the arrival of the manager’s son, especially as it meant a change for local hero Reid, but eventually Bond was accepted.
Reid, or course, had already played an important part in Clty’s history as he helped the side reach the 1981 FA Cup final. Twelve months later he joined Seattle Sounders for the summer and played in another final, the Soccer Bowl final, narrowly losing out to New York Cosmos 1-0.
At the end of the American season he rejoined the Blues. John Bond said at the start of October 1982: "This is a big boost to our strength. He’s re-signed on a shorter contract at his own request. l dldn’t consider that to be a problem." A groin strain on his return limited his opportunities, but by the end of the season he had made 24 (plus 1) League appearances. ln 1986 he featured in Clty’s 5-4 Full Members' Cup final defeat at Wembley, and continued to be a Blue until July 1987 when he joined Blackburn on a free transfer.
At Ewood Reid captalned Blackburn to the play-offs in his first three seasons with the club. He later had spells with West Bromwich Albion, Wycombe Wanderers, Bury and Sligo. In 1994 he played once again at Wembley. This time for Wycombe in the Division Three play-offs.
On the international stage Reid won six England Under 21 caps while at Maine Road.
Reid will always be remembered as a very popular Manchester player. He always demonstrated full commitment to the Blue cause and was loved by supporters.
EXTRACT FROM A GARY JAMES ARTICLE FROM CITY PROGRAMME 15TH SEPTEMBER 2002