By that time he'd already been Manchester City manager and his next job saw him take over a Sunderland side on the brink of relegation to what was then Division Two and twice take them into the Premiership.
Twice they came close to qualifying for Europe but eventually the dream came to an end and after over a year of struggle he was replaced by Howard Wilkinson ably assisted by Steve Cotterill.
Since then there's been little success for Reid in short spells at Leeds and Coventry. Since leaving Coventry in January 2005 he's been seen more as a television pundit whilst he's also become a registered football agent.
His name has been mentioned ever since Steve Cotterill's departure, today it is being reported that he might just be on our shortlist.