Source: Daily_Mail
Peter Reid severs his Thais abroad to return to England as Stoke No 2
Peter Reid claims he has reached agreement with the Football Association of Thailand to allow him to leave his post as their national-team coach in order to take up the role of Stoke assistant manager.
The 53-year-old, who had a contract in Thailand until 2012, is now preparing to link up with Tony Pulis at the Britannia Stadium and is relishing his new challenge.
'Once everything was sorted out with the Thai FA, which was important because I did have three years left on a deal there and I didn't want to upset anyone there, I was delighted to say yes and be part of it,' he told BBC Radio Stoke.
'I enjoyed it there. The players are technically very very good. It's a great place to live in terms of the culture and the climate. But the Premier League is the greatest league in the world and I'm English through and through.
'Even though it was very difficult to leave, it was always my ambition to come back here and work.'
Reid insists he has no problem with taking on the role of a No 2.
'I did the same thing at Manchester City and Everton, and the England Under 21s, so it's not a problem,' he said.
'Anything to do with football I enjoy. I enjoy being involved with the players. The role is fine, it will do for me as long as I can have an impact here and help this club grow stronger.
'The club has done fantastic staying in the Premier League. We've got a battle on this season but it's important I can help the players and Tony to improve and make the club stronger - that's my job.
'Number two doesn't matter. As long as I can have some input into making this club stronger.'
Stoke's interest in Reid stepped up a gear last week when Pulis contacted the former Sunderland and Leeds boss to sound him out.
'I saw him on a social occasion and he flagged it up,' said the former England midfielder. 'I was due to fly out to Dubai last Friday and I got call in the morning (saying) could I get down here and we had a chat and we clicked. I've known Tony numerous years.'
