Always known as a no-nonsense, committed player, Reid's reputation as a player has followed him into his career as a manager.
During his playing days, Reid experienced huge success with Everton, collecting winners' medals for the League Championship, FA Cup, League Cup (twice) and European Cup Winners' Cup.
His talent was recognised by his fellow players in 1985, when he was named PFA player of the year.
The following season came the highlight of his international career, when he played a crucial role in England's campaign at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
From player to manager
His first managerial appointment came at Manchester City following his retirement from playing.
He guided City as high as fifth in the table, but was controversially dismissed by chairman Peter Swales.
Sunderland snapped him up in March 1995, with the team rock-bottom of Division One.
Liverpool-born Reid staved off relegation that season and turned the club around to lead them to the First Division Championship the following year.
This feat earned him the Managers' Manager of the Year accolade for the 1995/96 season.
Sunderland dropped straight back down out of the Premiership.
But they bounced back to regain their place in the top flight by winning the First Division title by a record number of points in 1998/99.
Despite only narrowly avoiding relegation this season, Reid remains a popular figure at the Stadium of Light and is one of the Premiership's longest-serving managers.