Like his brother Billy, Sammy Reid was a Scotland schoolboy cap at Youth International level playing alongside the likes of Denis Law and Joe Baker. Brought up in near by Craigneuk, both brothers were regular attendees at Fir Park to watch their heroes in action. Much like his brother was, he was perhaps persuaded to join Motherwell due to the fact that his uncle, former wing-half Tommy McKenzie was still employed with the club as he was a member of the ground staff.
Before playing a first team game in claret and amber, Sammy enjoyed a spell with Douglas Water Thistle which also nurtured the talents of Pat Delaney and Ian St John amongst many others. Versatility proved to be key for Reid as he could be deployed either as a winger, half back or as an inside forward. Despite only standing at 5’4” the youngster more than made up for his small frame as he brought a wonderful array of skills, above all his enthusiasm and energetic style made him a huge favourite with the fans.
On new year’s day in 1957, Sammy made his first appearance for the club at the age of 17 in a local derby against Airdrieonians, he would score his first senior goal within the same month in a 4-2 win over Dundee. Within a matter of a few months he would be an integral part of the great ‘Ancell Babes’ side which boasted the forward line which consisted of Sammy, Pat Quinn, Andy Weir, Willie Hunter and Ian St John – not only did the side bring great joy to the punters at Fir Park but the side would bring great excitement throughout the width and breadth of the country.
Sammy was involved in many memorable moments at Motherwell but beating Rangers in all four fixtures in a season as well as the 7-0 demolition of Leeds United must have ranked pretty highly. The youngster would eventually hand in a transfer request, he joined Liverpool in February 1960 who were managed by Bill Shankley. His move to Anfield wouldn’t workout as the forward quickly became homesick.
He would later go on to serve Falkirk for four years followed by spells with Clyde and Berwick Rangers. Sammy would somewhat become a household name for a spell in January 1967 as he famously scored a diving header against Rangers, the 1-0 win for the wee Rangers is regarded as one of the biggest shocks in Scottish Cup history.
|
Name:
|
Sammy Reid |
|
Height:
|
5′ 4″ |
|
Weight:
|
9st 12lbs |
|
Date of Birth:
|
13th October 1930 |
|
Place of Birth:
|
Wishaw |
|
Position:
|
Forward |
|
Nationality:
|
Scottish |
Football Career:
| Douglas Water Thistle | – | 1956 |
| Motherwell | 1956 | 1960 |
| Liverpool | 1960 | |
| Falkirk | 1960 | 1963 |
| Clyde | 1963 | 1966 |
| Berwick Rangers | 1966 | 1967 |
| Dumbarton | 1967 | 1968 |
Well Career:
| Apps | Goals | |
|
League:
|
60 | 19 |
|
Scottish Cup:
|
4 | 0 |
|
League Cup:
|
10 | 5 |
|
Other:
|
0 | 0 |
|
Total:
|
74 | 24 |