Peter Reid returns to Roker for emotional 70th birthday bash with Sunderland AFC fans
“I’ve loved watching the progress of the club today and what they have achieved”
Legendary Sunderland manager Peter Reid returned to the city on Saturday (June 6) to begin celebrations for his landmark 70th birthday later this month (June).
Peter turns 70 on June 20, and the man widely credited with rescuing Sunderland and transforming the club’s fortunes was taken on an emotional rollercoaster journey through his life and career by North East broadcaster Paul Goffy Gough during a packed-out event at the Roker Hotel.
The evening was filled with laughter, memories and heartfelt tributes from friends, teammates, players and colleagues who have shared Reidy’s remarkable football journey.
Among those paying tribute were Sunderland promotion heroes Kevin Phillips and Micky Gray, with Phillips describing Reid as “the greatest influence on my career” and adding: “Reidy is an absolute legend of a man.”
Television favourite Chris Kamara reflected on the friendship they have enjoyed over many years, both within the game and during their time together on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday.
Former Black Cats manager Tony Mowbray appeared on screen to share his memories, while England goalkeeping great Peter Shilton recalled their days together as international team mates. Teesside comedian Roy Chubby Brown was on screen as he remembered Peter’s years living in Yarm during his Sunderland reign.
The emotional rollercoaster also featured touching reflections on Peter’s lifelong devotion to Everton FC and that special connection with the late Bradley Lowery, ensuring there were as many poignant moments as there were laughs.
One of the most moving moments came as Peter entered the room to the famous “Cheer Up Peter Reid” anthem. The packed audience rose to their feet and sang along, creating a deafening welcome for one of Sunderland’s most loved football figures.
Reflecting on the evening, Peter said: “It was an emotional rollercoaster of an evening. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that brought back incredible memories and moments that genuinely touched me.
“When I walked onto the stage and they started playing ‘Cheer Up Peter Reid’, everyone stood up and sang along. The place absolutely erupted. I’ll never forget it.
“Sunderland and the people in the city will always have a huge place in my heart - what a seven year journey it was. One gentleman told me he had met his late wife during one of my visits to a Sunderland hospital and wanted to come along and be part of the celebrations.
“That really touched me. I want to say a massive thank you to them all for a truly unforgettable night of making memories. I’ve loved watching the progress of the club today and what they have achieved. It has been a joy to get back and watch some of the matches.”
The weekend stay in his second home of Wearside also gave Reidy an opportunity to visit his former assistant Bobby Saxton, affectionately known as ‘Sacko’. Together, the pair oversaw one of the most memorable periods in Sunderland’s history, helping guide the club through the transition from Roker Park to Stadium of Light.
To round off the celebrations, Peter was presented with a Sunderland-themed birthday cake and celebratory champagne by event organiser and host Paul Goffy Gough, along with a specially commissioned framed photographic montage capturing highlights from his unforgettable years at the club.
For those in attendance, it was far more than a birthday celebration, it was a heartfelt tribute to a man whose impact on Sunderland AFC continues to resonate decades later — and a reminder of the unique bond between Peter Reid and the city that remains close to his heart.