Steven Reid – In Profile

Vital QPR takes a look at new loan signing Steven Reid.

Name: Steven Reid

Date of Birth: 10-03-1981 (Kingston-upon-Thames)

Former Clubs: Millwall, Blackburn Rovers

Appearances (Goals): 167 (25)

Reid came up through the ranks at Millwall after impressing scouts from a young age, and he went on to make his Lions debut in the Second Division in 1998.

He came from the bench to replace Australian international Lucas Neil for the final 20 minutes of a home defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

In the 1998-99 season Reid featured 31 times in total as he emerged as one of Millwall’s finest talents as they finished within touching distance of a playoff place.

A further 24 appearances ensued in the 1999-00 season as Millwall lost out to Wigan Athletic in the Division Two playoffs – but it was Gillingham who were the ultimate victors in the final.

Despite being sent off twice and booked on a further six occasions, Reid mustered 46 appearances in a season that was ultimately successful for himself and the Lions.

Millwall achieved promotion as champions of the Second Division in front of second-placed Rotherham United, after never having previously scored, Reid contributed six goals.

The midfielder celebrated his new-found Championship status by scoring in an opening day 4-0 thumping of Norwich City, before making his international debut for the Republic of Ireland.

In a season where little was expected Millwall managed to finish fourth, before the ugly side of the club followed in their playoff semi-final defeat to Birmingham City.

Reid celebrated Millwall’s surprising success more than most, as he was selected in Ireland’s 2002 World Cup squad. He made two appearances in Japan/Korea in draws against Germany and Cameroon.

The midfielder scored a further seven times in 2002-03, despite only starting the season in November owing to injury. Millwall weren’t so fortunate this season and missed out on a playoff spot.

His form prompted Premier League Blackburn Rovers to pay £1.85m for his services, but he had a debut to forget – being sent off against rivals Bolton Wanderers in a 2-2 draw.

Reid played a further 18 times that season for Rovers, including their Uefa Cup exit at the hands of Turkish outfit Gençlerbirliği.
Rovers avoided the dreaded drop along with Everton, with Leicester City, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers biting the bullet and dropping back to the Football League.

In 2004-05 Reid played 34 times for Blackburn as they avoided the drop with greater comfort. He contributed two goals in the process.

The following season Reid was a virtual ever-present, featuring in 39 of Blackburn’s fixtures in all competitions – another five goals were added to his tally in the process.

Only six appearances came over two seasons for Rovers owing to a back injury, followed by cruciate ligament damage.

He returned to make 25 appearances in 2007-08, but just as he seemed like putting his injury woes behind him he damaged his knee, ruling him out for the vast majority of the 2008-09 season.

Despite his injury woes, he has never lost the support of the Rovers faithful and bounced back this season with a goal against Peterborough United in the League Cup.

He has made three appearances this season before joining the R’s on loan today (Thursday) in a bid to rekindle his previous form.




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