Quinn defends Reid

Last updated : 22 September 2002 By Black Cat
Quinn, who knows Reid from way back when they were both at Manchester City, and who is now a member of his coaching staff at Sunderland, had never heard him attack his own players in the manner he did after Saturday's defeat against arch rivals Newcastle United.

"I hope the players read about how poor they were because they have let Peter Reid down," Quinn said.

"A lot of people are here because of Peter Reid and they owe their careers to him. Desire is our blood, our oxygen, it's everything this football club expects and every successful Sunderland team has had it.

"Now it has slipped, it has evaporated. As soon as we let a goal in, our bottle's gone. Against Fulham, we packed up our tools after 30 minutes and did not get going again.

"Sunderland losing a derby is a disaster but knowing that we did not give our all for Peter Reid is scandalous."