Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham sent a video message to his childhood hero, Everton legend Peter Reid, to wish him a happy 70th birthday. The lifelong Evertonian recorded the message as part of a film montage alongside personal contributions from former teammates, friends, and family.
Birthday tributes from football greats
Peter's old rival, Scotland and Liverpool great Graeme Souness, ex-England star Paul Stewart, and Burnham led the way in the tribute. Peter told the Mirror that he was 'very emotional' after receiving the messages and will 'treasure them forever'. He said: "I cannot go there; so many people were involved. It was very emotional and absolutely brilliant, I need to watch it again. Graeme Souness, Andy Burnham, everyone is on there."
Former Everton and Sunderland manager Peter turned 70 last month. The video was prepared by his closest friends for his big day and presented at a surprise party.
Paul Stewart's tribute
Peter's close friend and former Spurs, Man City, and Sunderland star Paul Stewart, 61, sent his own video message. He said: "It was a surprise for him with messages from many of his former team mates. I still call him gaffer all these years after he was my manager at Sunderland. I was at a point where I was heading for footballing extinction and he completely revitalised my career. He is a great man, and he was a great player and manager. I still consider promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland with Peter as one of my greatest achievements."
Memories of the 1986 World Cup
Peter recently met with his old England teammate Terry Butcher in London. He recalled the match against Argentina in 1986, in which he played alongside Butcher, the famous Hand of God goal, and the reaction of then England boss Sir Bobby Robson. He said: "I was a bit fortunate really because I got my place after Bryan Robson was injured and the late, great Ray Wilkins was sent off. It was a pleasure to play in one of football's most iconic matches. Maradona's first goal was what it was, but the second was magnificent. Then Gary Lineker pulled one back for us but it wasn't enough. The gaffer was absolutely devastated afterwards. We all felt it really badly because to lose in that manner hurt. Bobby was great after the game though. He basically said to us all to go and let our hair down and, believe me, we all went and let our hair down. We needed it."
Fundraising for Sir Bobby Robson Institute
Peter is raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute in Newcastle. He added: "It's an honour to still be part of his team 40 years after Mexico 86." For more information, visit www.sirbobbysgreatestteam.co.uk.
