The Celtic Underground - My Celtic Life, Mark Reid

his week Saint Anthony returns with another reflection on a Celtic life in former left back Mark Reid. When I was growing up the Celtic full back pairing was Andy Lynch at left back and Danny McGrain at Right Back. This then changed to see Alan Sneddon come in with Danny moving over to the left. Again that changed and our guest arrived allowing the world’s best right back into his natural position.

Over the years left back has been a challenging position for the hoops with younger fans spoiled by the likes of Tierney and Emilio. Fans of my generation will no doubt have a soft spot for Mark Reid who was rather an unsung hero of the ‘80s.

For it was then that he made nearly 200 appearances for the club, winning several trophies including two league championships in an exciting and talented Hoops side.

However, with his first-team chances becoming more limited, the full-back elected to leave and join Charlton Athletic. As someone who had spent his entire career in Paradise, emerging from the club’s youth set-up, this was a difficult decision but one which he would ultimately reap the rewards from.

Reid helped the London side reach the old First Division and he got the opportunity to face some of the top teams and players in England of that era, staying there for six years before returning to Scotland in 1991.

After an injury-plagued two seasons with St Mirren, he decided to call time on his playing days and he has since carved out a successful career as a driving instructor.

Enjoy…