Former Everton midfielder Peter Reid has called on the club’s ownership to strengthen the squad during the current transfer window.
The 70-year-old Huyton-born player, who arrived from Bolton Wanderers in 1982 for £60,000 and went on to claim two league titles, one FA Cup and a European Cup-Winners’ Cup during his time at Goodison Park, was hailed by Howard Kendall as the club’s most significant acquisition since the Second World War.
When evaluating David Moyes’ recruitment activity this summer, Reid expressed his views to this newspaper. He believes Everton need to show more ambition in the market and hopes the board will support the manager. In his assessment, the squad requires a right-back and a striker. He noted the substantial fees being spent elsewhere, citing Elliot Anderson’s £116million move to Manchester City, and highlighted James Garner’s performances in the two matches against Nottingham Forest last season as evidence of quality already at the club, though he believes more signings are necessary. He also mentioned watching Christian Norgaard during his time at Wigan, describing him as composed, intelligent and reliable, noting he could provide stability following Idrissa Gueye’s departure. He additionally suggested re-signing Jack Grealish.
Reid was speaking at a Stand Together session held by Everton in the Community at the Blue Base on Salop Street, where he joined Graeme Sharp in engaging with older participants through interactive drumming and a question and answer segment focused on combatting loneliness and improving wellbeing.
Looking ahead, Reid is anticipating a charitable screening of the film Everton, Howard’s Way at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, with donations going to Everton in the Community.
The documentary features Reid alongside his former teammates, and he naturally reflects on the remarkable 3-1 second-leg comeback against Bayern Munich in the European Cup-Winners’ Cup semi-final, an occasion many consider Goodison Park’s finest hour. He describes the film as impressive and mentions watching it several times, including with his grandson, who was astonished by the physical nature of the game and kept staring at him in disbelief. He observes that such challenges would be impossible in the modern era, when intelligence prevails, whereas his playing days were far more demanding. He recalls that when opponents targeted his teammates, the squad would respond collectively, demonstrating their resilience and discouraging opposition teams. However, he emphasises that the atmosphere during the Bayern Munich encounter remains unmatched despite playing at stadiums worldwide.
Bayern proved formidable opponents, featuring players such as Lothar Matthaus, Klaus Augenthaler, Soren Lerby and Dieter Hoeness. The crowd played an integral role in securing victory, creating an atmosphere where supporters and players mutually propelled each other forward.
Four decades later, nothing quite compares to those matches against Bayern, whether on the field or in the stands, though Reid expresses satisfaction at how Everton fans have maintained their enthusiasm at their new waterfront stadium, which accommodates 52,769 spectators. He acknowledges the modern game differs but insists the passion remains, and he enjoys the atmosphere at Hill Dickinson Stadium, crediting the Everton supporters for bringing that energy from Goodison Park. Examples include Grealish’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Crystal Palace and the subsequent 3-0 victory over Chelsea, as players and supporters feed off each other’s energy. Goodison held special memories, but he believes embracing the new stadium is essential, though winning honours remains the priority. He points to Newcastle United’s breakthrough trophy last season, their first since 1969, as motivation for competing in Europe, which they achieved previously. After defeating Chelsea, he felt confident, but the team’s decline cost them dearly, and maintaining consistency until the season’s conclusion is vital. He advises that taking initiative and energising the crowd can maximise the stadium’s potential, while acknowledging that against counter-attacking opponents like Arsenal or Manchester United, caution becomes necessary, though relentless pressing remains viable when the opposition has possession.
The Everton, Howard’s Way screening marks the culmination of three evenings of drive-in cinema at Hill Dickinson Stadium over the Bank Holiday weekend. Saturday August 29 features Finding Nemo at 6pm and Mamma Mia at 9pm, while Sunday August 30 offers Grease at 6pm and Back to the Future at 9pm, with vehicle entry priced at £30 or £10 per person without a car in the designated lawn zone. Monday August 31 sees Everton, Howard’s Way at 7.30pm with optional payment at the door.
Sue Gregory, chief executive of Everton in the Community, explained that the club intends for Hill Dickinson Stadium to operate year-round, using the Bank Holiday weekend drive-in cinema to establish this vision, while the film screening allows reflection on Howard’s Way’s impact in raising funds. When originally released, a portion of proceeds helped establish the People’s Place mental health and wellbeing centre, which has since supported thousands of individuals and prevented at least 40 potential tragedies. This screening presents an opportunity to reinforce that mission and seek continued public backing for mental health initiatives, with Howard’s Way serving as a fitting tribute to the project’s origins. The waterfront location and impressive stadium provide a distinctive setting for this inaugural concept. Entry operates on a donation basis, with proceeds supporting Everton in the Community, though she encourages generous contributions and reminds attendees of the initiative’s purpose, given the organisation’s extensive community work and Everton’s recognition of these efforts.
Reid summed up his perspective by acknowledging that many people lack the advantages others enjoy, so any contribution to charitable causes is worthwhile. He has committed to running the Great North Run in September for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, admitting he must be mad, though he views it as an opportunity to support a worthy cause.
Advance booking is essential, with additional information available through the ticket portal.