Advertisement

An Ireland midfielder who featured at the 2002 World Cup is retiring from the game

Steven Reid has announced that he is calling time on his 17-year professional career.

Steven Reid 13/2/2002 DIGITAL Reid celebrating one of two goals he scored for Ireland. INPHO INPHO

STEVEN REID HAS announced his retirement from professional football.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who made 400 club appearances during a career spanning 17 years, is hanging up his boots having most recently played for Burnley — who have been relegated to the Championship.

English-born Reid was eligible to play for Ireland through his father and appeared 23 times at senior level, making his debut in a draw against Croatia in 2001.

He scored two goals and featured in the World Cup 2002 group games against Cameroon and Germany. However, injuries prevented him from becoming a regular in the Ireland team and, in 2010, he retired from the international game.

Despite former manager Giovanni Trapattoni suggesting that it would be “very, very difficult” to return to his best  in 2011, the former Millwall and Blackburn player went on to play in the Premier League with West Brom and Burnley.

He made seven appearances for the Clarets this season.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional football at the end of the 2014/15 season,” Reid said.

“The last 17 years have been incredible and I have been fortunate to have played for some great clubs at Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley, as well as representing Ireland and playing at the World Cup.

“Alongside the great memories there have also been the many lows of my well-documented injuries and I feel the time has now come to listen to my body.

I’m excited about new challenges ahead. I’m working towards my ‘A’ licence and look forward to pursuing a career in coaching, alongside continuing the media work I’ve enjoyed this season.

“I would like to thank everybody that has been a part of the journey: My family, especially, but also the fans, players, staff, managers and friends that have made it a truly wonderful 17 years.”

Gerrard refused to sign the jersey of his new club after his final game at Anfield

Bizarre’ refereeing, unlucky 13 for Pat’s and more SSE Airtricity League talking points

Close
18 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute james
    Favourite james
    Report
    Sep 12th 2017, 9:08 AM

    I’ve heard on the grapevine he’s leaving Munster.

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Christiaan Theron
    Favourite Christiaan Theron
    Report
    Sep 12th 2017, 10:28 AM

    Does this mean that he expects the Cheetahs to win their home games and a few of the Road with Kings becoming competitive next Season? What does he mean a potential thing?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Limón Madrugada
    Favourite Limón Madrugada
    Report
    Sep 12th 2017, 9:07 PM

    Munster will have to change their line out calls for the second half of the season

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ktsiwot
    Favourite ktsiwot
    Report
    Sep 12th 2017, 10:55 AM

    looking at the two games last weekend this is a long way off, if an Italian team was as inept as the two SA teams last weekend we would have ripped them to species saying they were not up to standered and devaluing the competition.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ro Molloy
    Favourite Ro Molloy
    Report
    Sep 12th 2017, 12:23 PM

    I think Zebre will beat the Kings but will lose to the Cheetahs

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.