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Cheer Up Peter Reid: My Autobiography
Peter Reid is one of the most revered and colourful characters to emerge from England over the last 50 years. As a player, he established himself as one of the leading midfielders of his era, being named PFA Player of the Year in 1985 and credited with being the fourth best footballer in the world. He won numerous honours with Everton, including two league titles, one FA Cup and one European Cup Winners’ Cup during the most successful period in the Blues’ history. He also won 13 England caps, playing at the 1986 World Cup – where a date with destiny at the ‘hand’ and feet of Diego Maradona would provide a lasting, painful memory. As a manager, his journey has taken him from Manchester to Sunderland, India to Thailand, each step a voyage into the unknown and sometimes into difficulties and even controversy. This is the unique story of a footballer who got to the top and yet never forgot his roots, who mixed with the powerful but has never been afraid to challenge authority. Told with typical forthrightness, Peter’s book will capture the imagination of football fans far and wide.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 28, 2017
Got this book for Christmas and read it in a day.
For Everton, Bolton and Sunderland fans especially, this is a great, easy read. It´s a straight-ahead, talkative, funny walk through Peter´s life - peppered with some great jokes, memories and anecdotes. There´s some interesting stuff here, too, on the Mexico ´86 World Cup.
What´s most impressive now is the way Reid managed to have such a long, successful playing career, given the amount of serious injuries he suffered early on.
His ethos can be summed up as - work hard, play hard, be dead straight and get what you want - and he lived (and lives) that now.
I´ll admit to a (happy) tear in the eye during that amazing run up to the Wembley Cup Final of 1984 and the season - seasons, really, but the next season was "the one" - that followed. Kendall´s Everton team was a just that, a "team" and from a distance - maybe I´m just getting bloody old - you realise just how important it all was and how much joy football can bring to people. I remembered where I was for every match.
Interesting little link for Everton fans, too: a certain Sam Allardyce is one of Reid´s best football pals and drinking buddies, so features a lot in the book.
Right at the end there´s a section about how Peter lived, especially when he was at Sunderland, in a house in the area while his wife and children stayed in the family home. One day I´d like to read a biography about that - the effect of a footballer´s life on their family and close ones as it really sounds like a tough part of what can be a very tough career. But obviously the names and memories sell and that´s what we get here.
This sits nicely on the shelf with Sharpie´s and Nev´s books - although my favourite is still Mark Ward´s.
For Everton, Bolton and Sunderland fans especially, this is a great, easy read. It´s a straight-ahead, talkative, funny walk through Peter´s life - peppered with some great jokes, memories and anecdotes. There´s some interesting stuff here, too, on the Mexico ´86 World Cup.
What´s most impressive now is the way Reid managed to have such a long, successful playing career, given the amount of serious injuries he suffered early on.
His ethos can be summed up as - work hard, play hard, be dead straight and get what you want - and he lived (and lives) that now.
I´ll admit to a (happy) tear in the eye during that amazing run up to the Wembley Cup Final of 1984 and the season - seasons, really, but the next season was "the one" - that followed. Kendall´s Everton team was a just that, a "team" and from a distance - maybe I´m just getting bloody old - you realise just how important it all was and how much joy football can bring to people. I remembered where I was for every match.
Interesting little link for Everton fans, too: a certain Sam Allardyce is one of Reid´s best football pals and drinking buddies, so features a lot in the book.
Right at the end there´s a section about how Peter lived, especially when he was at Sunderland, in a house in the area while his wife and children stayed in the family home. One day I´d like to read a biography about that - the effect of a footballer´s life on their family and close ones as it really sounds like a tough part of what can be a very tough career. But obviously the names and memories sell and that´s what we get here.
This sits nicely on the shelf with Sharpie´s and Nev´s books - although my favourite is still Mark Ward´s.
December 15, 2024
Solid footballer autobiography. Good accounts of his time as a player. I remember the latter end of his playing career, but always thought, due to Mexico ‘86 and the Maradona quarter final, that he’d played way more for England than he did. Mind you, it was harder to win a cap in those days. Peter doesn’t dwell on childhood, often the dullest parts of these books, and spends lots of time on his Everton years, which I guess, are the most pertinent.
I’d have expected more from his time at Man City and Sunderland as manager, but perhaps he just doesn’t have many stories, and didn’t manage any colourful characters?
Solid. Much like Reidy’s playing style, it’s effective without flamboyance.
I’d have expected more from his time at Man City and Sunderland as manager, but perhaps he just doesn’t have many stories, and didn’t manage any colourful characters?
Solid. Much like Reidy’s playing style, it’s effective without flamboyance.
March 7, 2019
Good read
I'll admit to a bit of prejudice. I am a life-long Evertonian, so I was predisposed to liking this book. But as sports autobiographies go this is a pretty good one. Reid doesn't hide his loyalties or his politics (which I agree with.) Reid is a bridge from the old days to the multi-million pound player of today
I'll admit to a bit of prejudice. I am a life-long Evertonian, so I was predisposed to liking this book. But as sports autobiographies go this is a pretty good one. Reid doesn't hide his loyalties or his politics (which I agree with.) Reid is a bridge from the old days to the multi-million pound player of today
February 23, 2018
It was great to relive football from the seventies and eighties through the eyes (and feet) of one of the most influential players of the era. A book that focuses on the highs whilst acknowledging the character building aspects of the lows. A great read.
October 18, 2019
Not enough about the Sunderland years
Was really looking forward to reading this and getting a good insight to those amazing years at Sunderland but it was all summed up too quickly. Maybe the editor thought Everton was more interesting?
Was really looking forward to reading this and getting a good insight to those amazing years at Sunderland but it was all summed up too quickly. Maybe the editor thought Everton was more interesting?
May 6, 2020
A very enjoyable read
Written with warmth and humour, this is a really good book. A honest and interesting character, we follow his journey from player to Manager. I couldn't outbound down and that is the best rating I can give it.
Written with warmth and humour, this is a really good book. A honest and interesting character, we follow his journey from player to Manager. I couldn't outbound down and that is the best rating I can give it.
July 23, 2024
Wonderful story. Peter Reid football icon but his bound and relationship with Howard Kendell is remarkable. It's truly a great read from a true toffee this is a must read. Great book, great stories and great characters that are dearly missed
November 25, 2024
Almost All Football
It's Peter Reid's story apart from one small piece . As He points out He and is fellow Pros are not like Today's. . Not the Best Football Autobiography I have ever read . I would love to known more about Reid the Person
It's Peter Reid's story apart from one small piece . As He points out He and is fellow Pros are not like Today's. . Not the Best Football Autobiography I have ever read . I would love to known more about Reid the Person
July 10, 2025
Some cracking stories and a good wit, I would have been tempted to edit it a bit differently and let more of Reid's informality and charisma into play. But an enjoyable read, still. Very relatable approach to football.
October 11, 2017
A great
It is with great pleasure I read this book memories came flooding back not only a great football team but also my schooldays , for the returning memories I thank you
It is with great pleasure I read this book memories came flooding back not only a great football team but also my schooldays , for the returning memories I thank you
November 10, 2017
Great book . Memories of a footballing legend of the 80s and 90s. A must read for any footy fan.
March 19, 2019
I enjoyed watching him play and I enjoyed reading his book.
A very underrated player. Love to have him in the Everton side now
A very underrated player. Love to have him in the Everton side now
November 24, 2019
My first autobiography, not a bad read. Expected Reidy to have some more dirt to reveal.
July 2, 2020
Brilliant read
February 15, 2021
This is a great book, very entertaining.
The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars was because of the constant political digs that Reid makes as the book progresses. As somebody who is particularly apolitical it didn’t interest me and I found it a bit distasteful at times.
The contrast between football past and present was presented very well and Reid does a great job of painting the picture of dressing room and managerial business & banter.
On the whole Reid comes across as a guy you could rely on, a family man with conviction and principles.
I’d give it 4.5 if I could.
A well written biography of an 80s legend who I remember well from my childhood as being one of the most influential & talented midfielders of his day... and I’m not even an Everton supporter.
The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars was because of the constant political digs that Reid makes as the book progresses. As somebody who is particularly apolitical it didn’t interest me and I found it a bit distasteful at times.
The contrast between football past and present was presented very well and Reid does a great job of painting the picture of dressing room and managerial business & banter.
On the whole Reid comes across as a guy you could rely on, a family man with conviction and principles.
I’d give it 4.5 if I could.
A well written biography of an 80s legend who I remember well from my childhood as being one of the most influential & talented midfielders of his day... and I’m not even an Everton supporter.
April 6, 2024
I must admit I didn't know what to expect going into this as I didn't know much about Peter Reid but I'm really glad I gave it a go!
A touch political at times but aside that very solid!
A touch political at times but aside that very solid!
June 2, 2018
Its always nice to read of a football manager who is such a legend on wear side, Peter Reid story is the story of beating the odds, from injury to greatest, its the kind of story's all legends are born from and that what this man is, a legend as a player for everton, and a legend as manager for Sunderland AFC, i really enjoyed reading this and it will be added to my collection of the greats of the game.
December 11, 2018
This is a good well written book about a very good under rated player, he comes across as a honest working class man with a gift to play football. He does push his left wing political perspective a bit and describes himself as a socialist, which I do not think he actually his going by what he says regarding the private sector. This book as more depth than the Souness one I read recently and a bit more soul, he was not as good a player thought.!!
July 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book although not for easily offended or Liverpool supporters either! Peter Reid shares his own life story including his playing career and his relationships inside and outside football. It was a fun read
April 12, 2018
Recommended for Evertonians everywhere and all football fans over the age of 50, who are broadminded about the liberal use of the effin vernacular.
March 25, 2018
I wish football was still like it’s portrayed here.
April 15, 2019
Good read. Was a great player and the football stories are fantastic. Very passionate man.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews