He returned
in 2005 as manager, and went on to become the longest serving manager in
Scottish football in the twenty first century, and the most successful Accies
manager since the 1930s.
In almost
eight full seasons in charge, he finished third, fourth and first in the SFL
First Division, then ninth, seventh and twelfth in the SPL, and fourth in the
First Division, prior to this season (incomplete). He also reached two Challenge Cup finals and
three Scottish Cup quarter finals, achievements that eluded all his
predecessors, for 20 years in the case of the Challenge Cup, and for nearly 80
years in the case of the Scottish Cup.
He introduced
a crop of young talent to the Accies first team, including the so-called “three
diamonds” of James McArthur, James McCarthy and Brian Easton, who all starred
in Accies most successful post-War side before signing deals to join
Premiership clubs. His other signings
included long-serving captain Alex Neil, the flamboyant Paixao twins, Marco and
Flavio, Simon Mensing and Dougie Imrie.
Highlights
of Billy’s time as manager include:
· a
fightback to beat Clyde 3-2, after being 2-0 down at Broadwood in January 2008,a
key moment in the title-winning season
· a
5-0 demolition of Dunfermline at East End Park, also in 2008
· a
1-0 crunch win over Dundee at NDP the same season
· a
2-0 league cup win over Kilmarnock at NDP the same season
· a
3-1 win over Dundee United in our debut SPL game, before a live TV audience
· back-to-back
wins over Hibs, 4-1, and Kilmarnock, 3-0, en route to a seventh place finish in
the SPL in 2010
· historic
wins over Aberdeen and Hearts, and draws with both Celtic and Rangers
In his last
couple of seasons Billy suffered criticism from a section of the Accies
support, who had perhaps grown accustomed to unprecedented success, but
continued to play the game the way he believes it should be played, keeping
possession with patient passing football.
Hopefully even his sternest critics will recognise that he leaves Accies
much stronger than he found us, and with a legacy that will be very hard for
any other manager to follow.
I'm sure he leaves with the good wishes of the overwhelming majority of Accies fans.
I should have added something about his incredible work ethic. Everyone who has ever worked with Billy Reid has been full of praise for his commitment, and the number of games he watches, including youth games at all levels. Under Billy's watch, no young prospect was ever overlooked.
ReplyDeleteI can only echo Ken's post above. BR has presided over a wonderful period in Accies history. I will remember for a long time the superb football we played in our promotion season and how Billy adapted to life in the SPL after a horrible run in autumn 2008. Accies finishing 7th in the league was a fantastic achievement and Billy's part in bringing some great players to the club will remain happy memories. His part in developing the careers of the 3 diamonds and many other young players will mark him out as a candidate for management at a higher level. Billy, you depart with my thanks and wishes of the very best of luck for the future, except, of course, when you bring your next team to NDP.
ReplyDeleteBilly Reid is also the only Accies manager ever to be named Scotland's Manager of the Year - by the PFA in 2008 - and we may have a long wait until our next manager to receive such an accolade.
ReplyDeleteI genuinely hope BR manages to find renewed success wherever he lands. He managed great things with the Accies, and seeing him succeed elsewhere (albeit not at our expense as a competitor) would be worthy of following in the same fashion that finds many of us cheering for Wigan and the Jameses.
ReplyDeleteInteresting little article here - Billy for Leeds?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sabotagetimes.com/reportage/billy-reid-why-the-accies-boss-is-the-man-to-succeed-warnock-at-leeds/