EXCLUSIVE: Chris Beesley speaks to Everton legend Peter Reid about results at Hill Dickinson Stadium, European hopes and James Garner's best position
Everton legend Peter Reid admits the Blues need to start winning home games again, but reveals he feels sorry for David Moyes’ men because they have to be far more careful sticking their foot in when attempting to whip up the crowd than he was during his illustrious career.
The Huyton-born star, who won two League Championships, an FA Cup and the European Cup-Winners’ Cup while at Everton and was described by the club’s most successful manager Howard Kendall as the Blues’ most-important signing since the Second World War, recovered from two broken legs, torn knee ligaments and a cartilage operation before making his big move to Goodison Park in December 1982. However, that never prevented the midfielder from getting stuck in and he reckons 21st century stars have it harder in this respect.
Everton have triumphed in 11 of their 22 away matches since Moyes returned to the club but despite picking up four Premier League home victories at Hill Dickinson Stadium before the turn of the calendar year, they haven’t won there for the last six games. Reid told the ECHO: “With great respect to the modern-day footballer and football in general, Howard used to say to me: ‘Make a tackle in the first five minutes, get the crowd going.’ I feel sorry for them, because you can’t tackle these days.
“Listen, I don’t want anyone getting injured, but football is supposed to be a contact sport. Look at a penalty area before a corner or a free-kick is taken, they’re rugby tackling each other, but you’re seemingly not allowed to touch anyone in open play.
“It’s that vicious circle. Say you’re playing the Arsenal or the derby game, and think: ‘let’s get on the front foot, get at them and shut them down,’ they can play through you and hurt you.
“Tactically, you’ve got to be really aware of these situations. But I just think in certain games, you’ve got to go for it.
“You’ve got to get fans up, out of their seats and behind the team. At a stadium like Hill Dickinson, you’ve got to get at people.”
The 69-year-old added: “I think teams see how you play and conversely, will sit back and try and hit Everton on the break, see how they react and try and frustrate the crowd. I’m a great lover of the new stadium, some people aren’t used to it yet, but it takes time.
“I think when you’re a successful club and you want honours, your home form is crucial. That’s not rocket science, I’m just stating the bloody obvious, but David Moyes, Alan Irvine and the lads are brilliant, and they’ll be just as frustrated and concerned as every Evertonian.
“I know it’s a long, long time since I played and the game has changed a lot, but the basics are the same. I remember being booed off and cushions coming down and there’s only one place you can remedy that, and it’s on the park by winning games.
“If you’re playing for a big club, and I regard Everton as a massive club, that comes with the territory. You’ve got to stand up and be counted and start winning football matches.
“That’s not having a go at anybody, it’s just a simple fact, especially at home.
“Away from home, the performances, and more importantly, the results have been fantastic. The likes of Aston Villa and Fulham come to mind because they’re recent ones, but I was at the Manchester United game when they won with 10 men after the most ridiculous decision in football was made.
“The home record is a problem. I think we had chances against Bournemouth and a couple of decisions went against us in the game, but without having a go at the people up front, I think the majority of Evertonians would say that area of the pitch remains a concern.
“It’s different when we’re away and can sit back and get at them. When you’re at home and you’ve got to break down defences and you don’t put your chances in, it comes back to bite you in the Premier League.”
Reid was Sunderland manager when they moved from Roker Park to the Stadium of Light in 1997 and while he’s not sure whether eighth-placed Everton have what it takes to secure European qualification in their first season by the banks of the Mersey, he’s relishing the prospect of some heavyweight clashes on the horizon that could go a long way to determining whether they can achieve that goal. He said: “I’m a glass half full person and if we’d have beaten Bournemouth, we could have gone up to sixth and you’ve got to have that mentality.
“The stadium is magnificent and when that last-minute winner from Jack Grealish went in, the noise was unbelievable. We’re not in a relegation battle now, we’re at the other end and it’s the final push, it’s got to be on the park.
“The players will know it and it’s frustrating, but we’ve got to stick the ball in the net. We’ve got to get at people, especially at the new stadium because it’s fantastic.
“If I’m perfectly honest, I think it’s a great test coming up. We’ve got Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all coming up.
“We’re in there with the so-called big boys and that will be a test. I’m looking forward to finding out because I don’t know.
“I’m optimistic and I’m looking forward to it because I love challenges. I was like that as a player and a manager and I’m certainly enjoying it as a supporter at the moment.”
Next up for Everton is another home game at Hill Dickinson Stadium against Manchester United, but with Jake O’Brien suspended, Moyes has a dilemma at right-back where James Garner, who normally plays in Reid’s old central midfield position, has previously filled in.
The former England international said: “I think when people say James Garner has been knocking on the door (for the national team) I think rightly so, he’s been outstanding. At Nottingham Forest he was superb against the kid Eliot Anderson, who I think is a good player.
“Everything about his game, defence and attack, is terrific. I’m delighted he’s signed a new contract because he’s a massive asset.
“It’s difficult to pick teams, and David Moyes sees him on the training ground, but I like him in the middle. I thought Nathan Patterson did alright in the couple of games he came in and I’d always have Garner in the middle of the park.”
Peter Reid signs Buckingham Covers’ Goodison Greats Peter Reid Autographed Everton Collectable
Everton great Peter Reid signs Buckingham Covers’ Goodison Greats Peter Reid Autographed Everton Collectable
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Peter Reid features in a new piece of unique football memorabilia Buckingham Covers’ Goodison Greats Peter Reid Autographed Everton Collectable.
Celebrate one of the most unforgettable eras in Everton history with this striking Goodison Greats commemorative. Featuring Peter Reid, the iconic Blues legend, this collectable captures the pride, passion and identity of Everton Football Club.
Beautifully designed with historic imagery, official Dixie Dean stamp and special ink handstamp '1878 The Originals'. This piece pays tribute to a player who embodied skill, commitment and success in the Royal Blue shirt.
A must-have for Evertonians who cherish the club’s heritage and the heroes who defined it. Comes framed in black, perfect for display, gifting, or adding to an Everton memorabilia collection.